Question

According to Darwin, diversity as found in Australian marsupials is due to

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Parallel radiation
• C. Adaptive radiation
• D. Parallel evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is C Adaptive radiation

Convergent evolution
Convergent evolution or adaptive convergence is development of similar functional structures in unrelated organisms. For example Australian marsupials and placental mammals evolved independently but developed similarity in the feeding habits, shape and locomotion.

Adaptive radiation
Adaptive radiation is the development of different functional structures in organisms having common ancestor. For example the Australian marsupials having the common ancestor diverged due to difference in the feeding habits.

Parallel radiation
Parallel radiation is an evolutionary response. In this the organisms have independent evolutionary history, but their adaptations to ecological diversity coincides.

Parallel evolution
Parallel evolution occurs when two unrelated species evolve similar traits independent of each other. For example, running habits in deer and horses.

Final answer
(b) Adaptive radiation