coadaptation

[ koh-ad-uh p-tey-shuh n ]
/ ˌkoʊ æd əpˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

Biology. the correlation of structural or behavioral characteristics in two or more interacting organisms in a community or organs in an organism resulting from progressive accommodation by natural selection.
Also called integration. Genetics. the accumulation in a population's gene pool of genes that interact by harmonious epistasis in the development of an organism.

Origin of coadaptation

First recorded in 1830–40; co- + adaptation

OTHER WORDS FROM coadaptation

co·ad·ap·ta·tion·al, adjective co·ad·ap·ta·tion·al·ly, adverb

Words nearby coadaptation

Example sentences from the Web for coadaptation

Medical definitions for coadaptation

coadaptation
[ kō′ăd-ăp-tāshən ]

n.

The joint correlated changes in two or more interdependent organs.

Scientific definitions for coadaptation

coadaptation
[ kō′ăd′ăp-tāshən ]

The mutual adaptation of two or more genetically determined features through natural selection. Coadaptation can occur between interacting genes or structures within an organism or between two or more interacting species.