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Intro history

6 important questions on Intro history

Two ways that Coevolution differs from other types of evolution: L

- Coevolution involves mutual responses in the two species. For example: predator species evolves to be faster, allowing it to catch more results in greater selection on speed in the prey for regular evolution, there isn’t any response by the environment.
- Coevolution promotes diversity of adaptations.

What is coevolution? L

Two (or more) species:
1. Exert selective pressures on each other
And
2. Evolve in response to each other Because each species is evolving in response to the other, one important feature of coevolution is that the selective environment is constantly changing.

When does coevolution occur? L

Selective pressure will be strongest when there is a close ecological relationship. Close ecological relationship = usually specialists rather than generalists. Important ecological relationships that give rise to coevolution

Plant- Herbivore coevolution: L

More complex chemical defense leads to more speciation. Herbivores that can detoxify complex chemical defense have more species.

Coevolution in host-parasite systems: L

Hosts and parasites change evolutionarily in response to each other. - Resistance: the ability of the host to combat the parasite. - Virulence: the ability of the parasite to harm the host.

What is the Life-Dinner Principle? L

Predator is hunting for its dinner. If it fails in an encounter with a prey, it loses only a meal and the effect on predator fitness is relatively small. Prey is running for its life. If it fails in an encounter with a predator, it loses its life and the effect on prey fitness is very large.
Natural Selection on the Prey species to evolve defenses is stronger than Natural Selection on the Predator Species to evolve hunting ability