Red Queen dynamics: predator and prey evolve in endless escalation
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Generation
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Prey mean speed
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Predator mean speed
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Speed gap
Red Queen Hypothesis (Van Valen, 1973): Species must keep evolving just to maintain relative fitness against co-evolving partners.
Prey evolve faster escape speed → selection on predators intensifies → predators evolve → prey must evolve more.
The breeders' equation: R = h²S determines each generation's response.
Histograms show trait distributions; right panel shows mean prey speed vs. predator speed over time —
both escalate together in an evolutionary arms race.