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.

Nearby words

coachwood, coachwork, coact, coaction, coactive, coadaptation, coadapted, coade stone, coadjutant, coadjutor, coadunate

Origin of coadaptation

First recorded in 1830–40; co- + adaptation

Related forms

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for coadaptation

It is, therefore, of the highest importance to gain a clear insight into the means of modification and coadaptation.
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection|Charles Darwin
In other words, there must be coadaptation of all the parts, otherwise these larger horns would be an incumbrance and useless.
Homo-culture|Martin Luther Holbrook
Harmonious adaptation (coadaptation) has here been active in a high degree, and yet these "soldiers" are sterile!
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel
The problem of coadaptation is no easier in the case of the ant than in the case of the Giant Stag.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel

It is obvious that even the problem of coadaptation in sterile animals can thus be satisfactorily explained.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel

Medicine definitions for coadaptation

coadaptation

[ kō′ăd-ăp-tā′shən ]

n.

The joint correlated changes in two or more interdependent organs.

Science definitions for coadaptation

coadaptation

[ kō′ăd′ăp-tā′shən ]

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.