co-evolution co-evolution is frequently seen in pairs of species that interact frequently or...
TRANSCRIPT
co-evolutionCo-evolution is frequently seen in pairs of species that interact frequently or closely. A change in the traits of one species acts as a selection pressure on the other species.
activity 1 - co-evolutionYour task is to research the examples of co-evolution shown on the following slides.Be prepared to discuss your findings at the next lesson.
pollinators and plantsmutualistic co-evolution
Darwin’s orchid
Morgan’s sphinx moth
mutualism
Pseudonyrmex antBullshorn acacia
mutualistic co-evolution
herbivores and plantscompetitive co-evolution
tobacco hornworm
tobacco
red crossbilllodgepole pine
seed-eater and plantcompetitive co-evolution
predators and their preycompetitive co-evolution
common garter snake
rough skinned newt
parasites and their hostscompetitive co-evolution
human
Plasmodium falciparum
the ‘arms race’
activity 2 – the ‘arms race’
You will now read and discuss an article on the ‘arms race’ between the human host and the parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
malaria’s evolutionary arms race
the red queen hypothesis The co-evolutionary ‘arms race’ between a parasite and host is known
as the Red Queen Hypothesis as both organisms must ‘keep running in order to stay still’.
At the top of the hill, the Red Queen begins to run, faster and faster. Alice runs after the Red Queen, but is further perplexed to find that neither one seems to be moving. When they stop running, they are in exactly the same place. Alice remarks on this, to which the Red Queen responds: "Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place".
malice in wonderland
the red queen hypothesis
Hosts better able to resist and tolerate parasitism have greater fitness. Parasites better able to feed, reproduce and find new hosts have
greater fitness.
parasitic wasp / housefly PPQ