co-evolution theory

Co-evolution theory describes how two or more species develop interconnected traits over time because they interact closely, influencing each other's evolution. For example, a predator and prey may evolve better hunting and hiding strategies, respectively, shaping each other's adaptations. This reciprocal process leads to mutual adjustments that enhance survival and reproductive success, fostering a dynamic evolutionary relationship. Co-evolution highlights the importance of interspecies interactions—such as symbiosis, competition, and predation—in driving evolutionary change within ecosystems.