Coevolution in Biology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to coevolution, species interactions, and the mechanisms of natural selection discussed in the lecture.

Coevolution

Reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species, driven by natural selection.

TTX

A potent toxin produced by rough-skinned newts that can kill humans.

Garter Snake Resistance

The ability of garter snakes to withstand the toxic effects of TTX in newts.

Natural Selection

A process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Trade-offs in Evolution

The balance between traits that may benefit reproduction and those that increase survival, which can affect evolutionary adaptations.

Species Interaction Types

Categories of relationships between species, including consumption, competition, and mutualism.

Phenotypic Variation

The diversity in phenotypes that can occur within a population due to genetic differences.

Heritability of Traits

The extent to which genetic factors contribute to the differences in a trait observed in a population.

Biological Arms Race

A situation where two species evolve in response to each other's adaptations, leading to a cycle of reciprocal adaptations.

Inference in Evolutionary Biology

Drawing conclusions based on indirect evidence rather than direct observations.