Chapter 55, Problem 8TYU

Why does the phrase “coevolutionary arms race” appropriately characterize the long-term effects of species interactions?

a. Both plants and animals have evolved weapons for defense that are so effective that many plants are not eaten, and predators cannot reduce prey populations to extinction.

b. Adaptations that give one species a fitness advantage in an interaction are likely to be countered by adaptations in the other species that eliminate this advantage.

c. In all species interactions except for mutualism, at least one species loses (suffers decreased fitness).

d. Even mutualistic interactions can become parasitic if conditions change. As a result, interacting species are always “at war.”