Coevolution occurs when the evolution of an adaptation by one species affects the evolution of an

adaptation in a second species. Some species of moths have evolved the ability to emit high

frequency sounds that can block the little brown bat's echolocation. Based on the information

provided, explain how this relationship between moths and bats is an example of coevolution

Question

Biology

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8 February, 21:31

Coevolution occurs when the evolution of an adaptation by one species affects the evolution of an

adaptation in a second species. Some species of moths have evolved the ability to emit high

frequency sounds that can block the little brown bat's echolocation. Based on the information

provided, explain how this relationship between moths and bats is an example of coevolution

+5

Answers (2)

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Mariah Mathis · Answer 1

Coevolution in biology is a process that occurs when two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution through the process of natural selection.

Echolocation is a form of biological sonar (sound and audio ranging) used by bats to hunt prey or move in the dark. Bats emit high frequency calls which they use to locate prey by listening for the echoes generated when their calls are reflected off the prey.

Moths developed an early warning system to defend against the new way bats attack. Moths have evolved ears which allow them to hear bat echolocation, execute evasive flight manoeuvres and avoid being eaten. Some bats in turn improved their offensive weaponry by evolving stealth echolocation - that is, echolocation at frequencies and intensities that are inaudible to moths. Some moths, already equipped with ears, have in turn evolved ultrasonic clicks of their own that are used defensively during a bat attack.

This different mechanisms employed by the bat and the moth shows how the evolution of one favourable character by an organism influences that in another organisms in order to ensure that the fittest survives.

Liliana Herrera · Answer 2

Selective pressure

Explanation:

The ability of moths emit high frequencies probably affects how bats are evolving and vice-versa. The coevolution of both species will exert a selective pressure on the population of bats and moths. In the case of moths their population tends to be more successful to avoid bats predation therefore leading to an increase to their population, and in the case of bats their population tends to be less successful on predate moths, therefore leading to a decrease of their population on number of individuals.