Evolution

Co-Evolution

Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, where each exerts selective pressure on the other leading to matched adaptations.

Biological Context

Flowers and pollinators co-evolve matching shapes. Hosts and parasites co-evolve attack and defense. Predators and prey co-evolve speed and detection. Co-evolution produces remarkably precise inter-species fit.

Business Application

Business co-evolution: companies and customers, platforms and developers, regulators and industries all shape each other over time. Understanding co-evolutionary dynamics helps predict how relationships will develop.

Related Terms

Tags

evolutioninteractionadaptation