Define coevolution and provide a mammal example.

Define coevolution and provide a mammal example.

• A. A single species evolving independently in isolation.
• B. Mutualism where both species benefit and never change.
• C. Co-evolution between predator and prey.
• D. Reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species; example: predator-prey dynamics driving sharper teeth and faster prey.

Answer: (D)

Coevolution happens when two or more species shape each other’s evolution through their interactions, so the traits of one species change in response to the traits of the other over many generations. In mammals, a classic example is the predator–prey arms race: a predator like a cheetah may evolve sharper teeth, stronger jaws, and faster hunting tactics, while its prey, such as gazelles, develops faster sprinting speed, quicker acceleration, and sharper senses to detect danger. The key idea is that the changes in each species are driven by the other, making the relationship dynamic and ongoing. This option captures that reciprocal, interdependent change and anchors it with a concrete mammal example. Other choices describe evolution in a single species, or a mutualistic interaction supposedly without change, or merely name the interaction without emphasizing the reciprocal adaptations—none of these fully define coevolution.

Coevolution happens when two or more species shape each other’s evolution through their interactions, so the traits of one species change in response to the traits of the other over many generations. In mammals, a classic example is the predator–prey arms race: a predator like a cheetah may evolve sharper teeth, stronger jaws, and faster hunting tactics, while its prey, such as gazelles, develops faster sprinting speed, quicker acceleration, and sharper senses to detect danger. The key idea is that the changes in each species are driven by the other, making the relationship dynamic and ongoing.

This option captures that reciprocal, interdependent change and anchors it with a concrete mammal example. Other choices describe evolution in a single species, or a mutualistic interaction supposedly without change, or merely name the interaction without emphasizing the reciprocal adaptations—none of these fully define coevolution.