coadaptation

[koh-ad-uh p-tey-shuh n]

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

Related formsco·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. 2018

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
Harmonious adaptation (coadaptation) has here been active in a high degree, and yet these "soldiers" are sterile!
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
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
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

coadaptation in Medicine

(kō′ăd-ăp-tā′shən)

coadaptation in Science

[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.