Coevolution is an important process in nature. It happens when two or more species change together because they influence each other. Let's look at some easy-to-understand examples:
Pollinators and Flowers: About 75% of flowering plants rely on animals to help them make seeds. The way flowers look and their colors often change to attract certain pollinators. For instance, hummingbirds really like red flowers.
Predator-Prey Relationships: When animals like gazelles get faster—some can run up to 55 mph—predators like cheetahs also get better at hunting. This shows how both animals push each other to adapt.
Parasite and Host Dynamics: When hosts get infected with parasites, they can develop traits to fight off these parasites. This leads to a kind of race where both the host and the parasite are always changing. A good example of this is how humans and the malaria parasite continuously adapt to each other.
Coevolution is an important process in nature. It happens when two or more species change together because they influence each other. Let's look at some easy-to-understand examples:
Pollinators and Flowers: About 75% of flowering plants rely on animals to help them make seeds. The way flowers look and their colors often change to attract certain pollinators. For instance, hummingbirds really like red flowers.
Predator-Prey Relationships: When animals like gazelles get faster—some can run up to 55 mph—predators like cheetahs also get better at hunting. This shows how both animals push each other to adapt.
Parasite and Host Dynamics: When hosts get infected with parasites, they can develop traits to fight off these parasites. This leads to a kind of race where both the host and the parasite are always changing. A good example of this is how humans and the malaria parasite continuously adapt to each other.