coevolution
noun
co·evo·lu·tion ˌkō-ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən 
also -ˌē-və-
: evolution involving successive changes in two or more ecologically interdependent species (as of a plant and its pollinators) that affect their interactions
coevolutionary
ˌkō-ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē
adjective also -ˌē-və-
coevolve
ˌkō-i-ˈvälv
intransitive verb -ˈvȯlv
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The relationship between agaves and long-nosed bats—the plant’s main pollinator—is the product of thousands of years of coevolution. 
Janet Marinelli, Wired, 19 Feb. 2022 Other adaptions found in sled dog genes seem to show coevolution with species that are not similar yet share the same problems. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2020 This relationship kicked off millions of years of coevolution. Jess Romeo, Popular Science, 15 Nov. 2019 Necessary Scientists often turn to bacteria and the bacteriophage viruses that prey on them to learn about coevolution. Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2020 That two so very distinct personalities have managed to forge an effective partnership is a testament to their years of professional coevolution. Ian Volner, WSJ, 4 Nov. 2018 This memetic competition and coevolution is one reason the media landscape is so dizzying. Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2017 The diversification of flowering plants also has everything to do with their coevolution with insects. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 12 July 2017 For example, in 2004, evolutionary biologist David Wilkinson used Green Mountain to illustrate that snail-speed coevolution is not always necessary for complex ecosystems to build themselves. National Geographic, 8 May 2017 See More
Janet Marinelli, Wired, 19 Feb. 2022 Other adaptions found in sled dog genes seem to show coevolution with species that are not similar yet share the same problems. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2020 This relationship kicked off millions of years of coevolution. Jess Romeo, Popular Science, 15 Nov. 2019 Necessary Scientists often turn to bacteria and the bacteriophage viruses that prey on them to learn about coevolution. Quanta Magazine, 6 Jan. 2020 That two so very distinct personalities have managed to forge an effective partnership is a testament to their years of professional coevolution. Ian Volner, WSJ, 4 Nov. 2018 This memetic competition and coevolution is one reason the media landscape is so dizzying. Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2017 The diversification of flowering plants also has everything to do with their coevolution with insects. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 12 July 2017 For example, in 2004, evolutionary biologist David Wilkinson used Green Mountain to illustrate that snail-speed coevolution is not always necessary for complex ecosystems to build themselves. National Geographic, 8 May 2017 See More Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above