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Predator Prey Evolution
Predator Prey Evolution
Coevolution is a type of evolution in which two organism groups evolve based on the relations between one another. This can be in a variety of different ways however, the most common is Predator-Prey evolution. Predator-Prey evolution refers to the evolutionary development of predators and prey to each other. For example, predators may evolve to gain better tracking and hunting skills such as better night vision, better tracking skills, and camouflage. Prey as a result may evolve to develop antipredator behaviors such as warning calls, ways to avoid predators such as burrowing or defensive traits such as shells or poison. These interactions continue to develop as predators and prey evolve to counter each other over time. As a result, there are constant evolutionary changes that occur within a given species as time progresses.
In regards to predator-prey evolution, instead of just the environment being a main determining factor, the evolutionary changes of the predator/prey also affect how a species evolves. Additionally, populations are largely affected by these relationships and are also a key role in coevolution. Rabbits and wolves have largely varying populations by season. For example: if there is a lack of wolves in a given season, rabbits will be able to successfully breed more and survive. The next following season there will be more rabbits for wolves to hunt, allowing wolf populations to grow thus reducing the next season of rabbits. There are plenty of experiments showing these similar results. (“Khan Academy”).
Pollination Relationships
Pollination Relationships
Pollination is the main way flowering plants can reproduce. However, many times this requires help from the environment through wind or the help of another species. Other species may carry this pollen from one plant to another. This causes a relationship between the two that is mutually beneficial. Many of these other species that pollinate benefit as a food resource, while the plant can reproduce. In the plant-pollinator relationship, the pollinator benefits from the bond by feeding on food provided by the flower, which consists primarily of nectar and pollen. In return, the plant benefits as the pollinator moves from flower to flower, transferring pollen allowing the plant to reproduce as it forages for the food rewards.
Most flowering plants require relationships with pollinators to reproduce.- (“Missouri.edu”) Additionally, this relationship may cause species to evolve to further this bond such as certain bees or butterflies who evolve to gain features fitted for this task. An example of this is the Yucca Moth and Yucca flowers. The flowers have evolved to a specific shape only the Yucca moth can fit into to pollinate. Eggs are laid within the flowers and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the Yucca seeds inside.
Image from Dmitry Grigoriev on Unsplash.com
References
Carter, J. (2019, September 12). Coevolution and Pollination. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://biologyclermont.info/wwwroot/courses/eco/lec coevolution.htm
Editors, B. (2017, December 27). Coevolution. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://biologydictionary.net/coevolution/
Editors, B. (2019, April 17). Predator Prey Relationship. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://biologydictionary.net/predator-prey-relationship/
Galen, C., & Storks, L. (n.d.). Pollination Mechanisms and Plant-Pollinator Relationships. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/m402
Khan Academy Predator-prey Cycles Retrieved from: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-ecology/hs-ecological-relationships/v/predator-prey-cycle
Zoology, P. (2000, November). The Evolution of Predator-Prey Interactions: Theory and Evidence. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.31.1.79
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