Many studies of evolution focus on the benefits to the individual of competing successfully – those who survive produce the most offspring, in Darwin’s classic ‘survival of the fittest‘. But how does this translate to the evolution of species?
A new article considers an aspect of the natural world that, like survival of the fittest individual, is explained by natural selection: namely, mutualism — an interaction between species that has benefits for both. The work shows that some species of butterfly that live alongside one another have evolved in ways that, surprisingly, benefit both species.
Click here for the full article.
This somewhat acts as a metaphor for a situation in which two competitors cooperate for a mutual benefit, don’t you think? Of course, the butterflies probably aren’t consciously trying to look like one another… or ARE they? Hmmm… mayhap I sense a butterfly conspiracy?
Related articles on the web:
- Monarch Counters Upset with New San Francisco Museum
- Butterfly Wing Scales
- Darwin at the Natural History Museum
Add New Comment
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks
(Trackback URL)