Bacterial endosymbionts have lost much of their genome and are dependent upon their aphid hosts for survival.Similarly, the aphids depend on the endosymbiotic bacteria for the supply of amino acids that they provide.This interdependence is the result of

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The interdependence between the endosymbiotic bacteria and aphids is a result of coevolution, where both the host and the symbiont have evolved together in a mutually beneficial relationship. Over time, the bacteria have lost much of their genome and have become dependent on the aphids for survival, while the aphids depend on the bacteria for the supply of essential nutrients. This coevolutionary relationship has resulted in a mutualistic symbiosis, where both partners benefit from the interaction.

Bacterial Endosymbionts Have Lost Much of Their Genome and Are