Question

What is adaptive radiation ? Give one example from any habitat.

Hint:

Adaptive radiation is the splitting of one ancestor into many species fitted to different niches. Example: Darwin finches.

Answer 1

Step 1: Define adaptive radiation:
Adaptive radiation is the evolution of many different species from one common ancestor in a given geographical area.
The species spread into different habitats and niches, and each develops its own adaptations.

Step 2: Give an example:
Darwin finches of the Galapagos Islands are a standard example. From one seed-eating ancestor, many forms arose with different beaks.
Some beaks suit seeds, some insects and some vegetarian food.

Step 3: Another example for confirmation:
Australian marsupials evolved from one ancestral stock into kangaroo, koala, wombat and others. Any one example is enough.

Final Answer:
Adaptive radiation is the divergence of one ancestral stock into many species adapted to different niches. Example: Darwin finches of the Galapagos Islands.