An evolutionary arms race refers to the ongoing struggle between competing species, where each side develops adaptations in response to the other. This can occur between predators and prey, where predators evolve better hunting skills, while prey develop enhanced defenses or escape mechanisms. Over time, these adaptations can lead to significant changes in both species. This concept is often illustrated through examples like the relationship between cheetahs and gazelles. As cheetahs become faster to catch their prey, gazelles may evolve to be quicker and more agile to evade capture. This dynamic interaction drives the evolution of traits in both species, highlighting the interconnectedness of life.