Biological coevolution is a reciprocal evolutionary process in which two or more species exert selective pressures on each other, leading to genetically correlated changes in their traits over time. This process can occur in diverse interaction types, including antagonistic (e.g., host–parasite, predator–prey) and mutualistic (e.g., pollinator–plant, symbiont–host) relationships. Coevolution involves feedback loops where adaptive changes in one lineage alter the fitness landscape of its partner(s), often generating evolutionary arms races, trait matching, or specialization. It is typically studied using comparative phylogenetics, quantitative genetics, and empirical experiments to test for correlated trait evolution and specificity of interaction.
The microbiome comprises a multitude of bacteria, viruses and fungi that exist in and on a multicellular organism. The interactions of body cells and the microbiome form a structural and often functional unit, the so-called ...
Evolution
Sep 8, 2025
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The microscopic alliance between algae and bacteria offers rare, step-by-step snapshots of how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. This is shown by a new study led by researchers from Stockholm University, ...
Evolution
Aug 29, 2025
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151
Natural ecosystems are intricate webs where species can interact directly, like predators and prey, or influence one another through a chain of environmental effects. But can these indirect interactions be powerful enough ...
Evolution
Aug 27, 2025
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146
Many insects live in symbiosis with certain species of bacteria. These bacteria make important contributions to their hosts' nutrition, digestion, detoxification, reproduction and defense. Due to their close coexistence with ...
Ecology
Aug 14, 2025
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