coevolve
Change together evolutionarily
To coevolve is to evolve together, each species or system influencing the other's development over time.
Flowers and their pollinators coevolve—the flower's shape adapts to the bee, the bee's tongue adapts to the flower.
The term extends beyond biology: Languages and cultures coevolve, Technology and society coevolve.
The noun is coevolution.
Differential reproductive success
- fitnessGood physical shape
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- convergenceProcess of approaching sameness
phenotype · genotype · variation · selection pressure · arms race · genetic drift · gene flow · reproductive success
Reciprocal reliance between entities
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- cross-pollinationFertilization between different plants
facilitation · interplay · exchange · coexistence · mutual dependence · reciprocity · benefaction · coordination
Symbiotic rock dweller
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- cleaner fishRemoves parasites from others
- gut floraIntestinal microbial community
- parasitismOne benefits, one suffers
commensalism · predator-prey · mitochondria · chloroplast · nitrogen fixation
natural selection
Differential reproductive success
- fitnessGood physical shape
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
convergence · phenotype · genotype · variation · selection pressure · arms race · genetic drift · gene flow · reproductive success · survival strategy
interdependence
Reciprocal reliance between entities
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- partnershipShared business arrangement
cross-pollination · facilitation · interplay · exchange · coexistence · mutual dependence · reciprocity · benefaction · coordination
lichen
Symbiotic rock dweller
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- cleaner fishRemoves parasites from others
- gut floraIntestinal microbial community
parasitism · commensalism · predator-prey · mitochondria · chloroplast · nitrogen fixation
coevolveregress
Revert to earlier state
decline · devolve · degenerate · deteriorate · atrophy