How does coevolution differ from evolution?

In contrast to the scenario of habitual evolution, in which selection is influenced by multiple biotic and abiotic factors, coevolution is strongly correlated with and driven by interactions between two species.

The reason for this could be an antagonistic relationship (predator / prey, parasite / host, or even competition), in which for both sides to survive, they must learn more effective ways to attack and defend themselves. The best individuals are chosen by true natural selection, which then intensifies selective pressure on the opposing side and so on.

The same is true for positive relationships like mutualism and symbiosis: over the course of coevolution, the most effective collaborators are chosen, and the bonds become stronger. However, it is important to remember that these behaviors are never motivated by altruism and that positive interactions can turn into parasitisme if one party manages to unseat the other. Instead, they are always designed to increase the fitness of one of the two participants at that particular moment.

Coevolution involves the reciprocal evolutionary influence between two or more species, whereas evolution refers to changes in the heritable characteristics of populations over time. Coevolution specifically focuses on the interactions between species, driving adaptations in response to each other's influence.