Ecological Relationships in an Ecosystem
Coevolution
Coevolution occurs when two or more interacting members of a community evolve in such a manner that they end up matching one another in terms of physical features. This is clearly seen in the case of hummingbirds and the flowers of the fuchsia plant.
Through the years, both bird and fuchsia plant have evolved structures that best fit the two organisms. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of the fuchsia flower, pollinating the flower when it feeds on the nectar. The plant, in turn, has evolved to have bright colors that attract hummingbirds and into an elongated shape that fits a hummingbird’s long beak and tongue.
