Question

What is adaptive radiation ? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

• An evolutionary process giving rise to new species adapted to new habitats and ways of life is called adaptive radiation. It is characterized by large changes in the common ancestor to suit a number of different environmental conditions in a relatively short period of time.
• Darwin's Finches are an excellent example of adaptive radiation. It has been observed in the fragmented landscape of the Galapagos Islands and is diversified into many different species which differ in ecology, song and morphology, specifically the size and shapes of their beaks.