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Heredity, Natural Selection, and Evolution

Highlights of Evolution

What is coevolution?

Coevolution is a rare form of evolution. By definition, it requires that two species adapt to evolutionary changes occurring in each other. An example of this reciprocal adaptation would be the development of mutualistic relationships between plants and the insects that prey upon them. As the plant develops defenses (like the oils of species in the mustard family), the insects develop counter weapons (cabbage butterflies have metabolic adaptations that can safely break down these toxic compounds).