Coevolved

/koʊɪˈvɑlvd/ verb

Definition

Evolved together; when two or more species develop and change together in response to each other over time.

Etymology

From co- 'together' + evolved (from Latin evolvere 'to unfold'). Coined in modern biology (20th century) to describe symbiotic evolutionary relationships.

Kelly Says

Flowers and bees coevolved—flowers developed colors and shapes that attract bees, while bees developed specialized eyes and bodies to visit flowers. Neither would look the way it does without the other.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.