Coevolution: On The Origin Of Species

Coevolution is the process by which two or more closely interacting species evolve in response to one another. Darwin is attributed with first hypothesizing coevolution in “On the Origin of Species” published in 1859; since that time, coevolution has become one of the cornerstones of modern evolutionary biology. The species that lead to the discovery of coevolution was the Angraecum Sesquipedale, a variety of orchid with a spur extending over 30cm long. When Darwin received a sample from Madagascar containing this orchid he postulated that a moth with a proboscis of a similar length must exist to pollinate the orchid. In 1903 Xanthopan Morganii Praedicta was discovered, this moth, better known by its colloquial name, the Morgan Sphinx moth, was the perfect match for Angraecum Sesquipedale, and proved the possibility of coevolution.
There are three basic forms of coevolution: specific …show more content…
Escape and radiate coevolution necessitates the development of a trait or traits in one of the interacting species which provides an extreme advantage over the other and results in its rapid speciation into multiple lineages. The evolution of a particularly effective defense mechanism may render a species effectively immune to predation for a period of time, until a predator species counter-adapts in response, allowing for adaptive radiation unimpeded by predation (Futuyma). Escape and radiate coevolution is not confined to prey species however, predator species may also develop highly efficient traits which would allow them to freely exploit their prey species until they adapt to defend against it (Agrawal et al). The advantage that a species might develop would allow for a relatively short interval in which that species would experience adaptive radiation. However, eventually another species will counter-adapt to the focal species, and prevent further radiation