Question

Adaptive radiation refers to:

• A. Power of adaptation in an individual to a variety of environments.
• B. Adaptations due to geographical isolation.
• C. Evolution of different species from a common ancestor
• D. Migration of members of a species to different geographical areas

Answer 1

The correct option is C Evolution of different species from a common ancestor

Adaptive radiation refers to evolution of different species from a common ancestor. As the original population increases in size, it spreads out from its centre of origin to exploit new habitats and food sources. In time, this results in a number of populations each adapted to its particular habitat. Eventually, these populations will differ from each other sufficiently to become new species. A good example of this process is the evolution of the Australian marsupials into species adapted as carnivores, herbivores, burrowers, fliers etc. On a smaller scale, the adaptive radiation of the Galapagos finches provided Darwin with crucial evidence for his theory of evolution.