Question

Adaptive radiation is a type of ___ evolution.

Answer 1

When a species encounters new challenges, their morphological characters get gradually modified accordingly, which accumulates over the years and ultimately results in a new species. This is known as divergent evolution, as a new species diverges from the original ancestor and evolves. Adaptive radiation is a type of divergent evolution in which more than one new species “radiate” and evolve from a common ancestor. Darwin's finches are a good example of this.