A species of caterpillar develops toxic spikes that deter the birds that prey on it. Over time, the genetics of the bird population shifts so that an allele for a digestive enzyme that neutralizes the toxin becomes more common. This is an example of
A) mimicry.
B) coevolution.
C) an invasive species.
D) parasitism.
E) mutualism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of coevolution, where two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution. In this case, the evolution of toxic spikes in caterpillars drives the evolution of a digestive enzyme in birds that can neutralize the toxin, illustrating an evolutionary arms race between predator and prey.

A Species of Caterpillar Develops Toxic Spikes That Deter the Birds