coadaptation

[ koh-ad-uhp-tey-shuhn ]

/ ˌkoʊ æd əpˈteɪ ʃən /

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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.

QUIZ

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If autumn is your ideal season, spice up your repertoire of "fall" vocabulary with this quiz on some warm and vivid descriptive words for the season.

Question 1 of 10

Which of the following words means “to make a crackling sound; crackle”?

crisp

crepitate

fuscous

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Origin of coadaptation

First recorded in 1830–40; co- + adaptation

OTHER WORDS FROM coadaptation

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

Words nearby coadaptation

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

How to use coadaptation in a sentence

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
Sometimes coadaptation does not take place, as in the common brook crab, familiar to every country boy.
Homo-culture|Martin Luther Holbrook

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

Medical definitions for coadaptation

coadaptation

[ kō′ăd-ăp-tā′shən ]

The joint correlated changes in two or more interdependent organs.

Scientific 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.