Question

When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occured in an isolated geographical area, this is known as:

• A. Divergent evolution
• B. Convergent evolution
• C. Adaptive divergence
• D. Mutation

Answer 1

The correct option is B Convergent evolution

Adaptive radiation refers to an evolutionary process in which different species evolve successfully to adapt to their environment on inhabiting new areas. While convergent evolution is an evolutionary process in which different structures of different species are evolved for the same function. Hence during adaptive radiation, the changes are determined by the environment. The organism evolves to survive in a particular environment. Therefore, if two different adapative radiation occurs in an area, then it is most likely that both the evolved species will have similar adaptations to survive in the particular area. Hence, they will develop similar structures to perform similar functions which show convergent evolution.