Question

Koala, banded anteater, and Tasmanian tiger cat represent examples of-

• A. Adaptive radiation
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. Marsupial radiation
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Adaptive radiation

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. It is a fast increase in the number of species that share a common ancestor having a great diversity in morphology and ecology.
2. It is an evolutionary process in which several species develop from the same ancestor in a particular area and radiate to various places.
3. Few examples are Darwin's Finches at the Galapagos island and Australian marsupials which include Koala, banded anteater, Tasmanian tiger cat, etc.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

Divergent evolution: It is the result of common ancestry in which species get more and more diversified due to differential selection pressure which slowly leads to speciation.

For example- the modern elephant and woolly mammoth both share a common ancestor but still, they have evolved into two distinct species.

Option C:

Marsupial radiation: It is itself an example of adaptive radiation.

Final answer: Koala, banded anteater, Tasmanian tiger cat represent examples of adaptive radiation.