Theme - Co-evolution

Question 1

What is co-evolution?

Answer 1

The process by which changes in one species are tracked by changes in another species

Question 2

Give three examples of herbivores that have a specialised plant food resulting from co-evolution.

Answer 2

Cinnabar moth caterpillars and ragwort
Koala and eucalyptus
Panda and bamboo

Question 3

What two types of interaction can result in coevolution?

Answer 3

Mutualism ++

Predation/herbivory/parasitism +-

Question 4

What relationship exists between pilot fish and sharks, and why?

Answer 4

Mutualism - both parties gain. Sharks get parasites removed, pilot fish get protection

Question 5

What is convergent evolution?

Answer 5

The independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages

Question 6

What are the two types of mimicry?

Give an example of each.

Answer 6

Batesian - king snake and coral snake

Mullerian - day flying moths in central/south america

Question 7

What is the difference between Batesian and Mullerian mimicry?

Answer 7

Batesian - non-toxic animal mimics a toxic one, so benefits from reduced predation
Mullerian - new species is toxic so reinforces the message of the original one

Question 8

What two ways can an organism gain toxicity?

Answer 8

Eat something toxic and store those compounds
or
Synthesise the toxins within the body