Question 1 Response from Learning Log 5
1. How would
you explain what “coevolution” means? Why does Carroll
compare it to an “arms race”? Explain the concept in
general and then offer an example from the animal kingdom.
Coevolution simply means to me that it is the explanation of two species living dependently on each other. These two species will change based on changes that each species goes through. Carroll compares it to the concept of an “arms race” because species try to keep up with new adaptations that come up by making their own changes bigger and better. The species will live in constant rotation of trying to become the more dominant species by trying to create a better characteristic. For example, Carroll uses the scenario between the newt and the garter snake. Each species changes in response to the other’s changes. The newt raises its toxicity levels to protect itself, while the snake keeps becoming more resistant to the toxicity. They live in constant rotation of these changes. Another example can be the bucket orchids and the bees. Each one changes in order to stay living in harmony with one another. The orchid will produce what the bees need, while the bees will produce what the bucket orchids need.