Question

Explain adaptive radiation with the help of a suitable example.

Answer 1

The process of evolution in which new species are produced from a single point and radiate in different directions is known as adaptive radiation. This is possible due to natural selection. One of the most common examples of adaptive radiation is that of Darwin's finches which he found on Galapagos islands. He observed a variety of birds on the island, all of which were formed from a single seed-eating species which landed there accidentally. Thus due to the different feeding habits, birds with a variety of beaks developed. Different birds with a difference in the availability of food developed different eating habits which helped them all to survive in that environment.