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co-adaptation
co-adaptation The development and maintenance of advantageous genetic traits, so that mutual relationships can persist (i.e. both parties evolve adaptations that increase the effectiveness of the relationship). Predator-prey and flower—pollinator relationships often exhibit examples of co-adaptation, which is an aspect of co-evolution. For example, the relationship between the ant Pseudomyrex ferruginea and the plant Acacia hindsii is obligatory and dependent on co-adaptations. The ant is active 24 hours a day (which is unusual for ants) and thereby provides continuous protection for the acacia. In a similar evolutionary gesture, the acacia bears leaves throughout the year (most related species lose their leaves), providing a continuous source of food for the ants.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-coadaptation.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-coadaptation.html |
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co-adaptation
co-adaptation The development and maintenance of advantageous genetic traits, so that mutual relationships can persist (i.e. both parties evolve adaptations that increase the effectiveness of the relationship). Predator-prey and flower-pollinator relationships often exhibit examples of co-adaptation, which is an aspect of co-evolution. For example, the relationship between the ant Pseudomyrex ferruginea and the plant Acacia hindsii is obligatory and dependent on co-adaptations. The ant is active 24 hours a day (which is unusual for ants) and thereby provides continuous protection for the acacia. In a similar evolutionary gesture, the acacia bears leaves throughout the year (most related species lose their leaves), providing a continuous source of food for the ants.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-coadaptation.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-coadaptation.html |
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co-adaptation
co-adaptation The development and maintenance of advantageous genetic traits, so that mutual relationships can persist. Predator-prey and flower-pollinator relationships often exhibit examples of co-adaptation, which is an aspect of co-evolution.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-coadaptation.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-coadaptation.html |
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co-adaptation
co-adaptation Development and maintenance of advantageous genetic traits, so that mutual relationships can persist. Predator-prey, and flower-pollinator relationships often exhibit examples of co-adaptation, which is an aspect of co-evolution.
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Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-coadaptation.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "co-adaptation." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-coadaptation.html |
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