Question

Which evolutionary phenomenon is depicted by the sketch given in figure?

• A. Artificial selection
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Convergent evolution
• D. Adaptive radiation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about an evolutionary phenomenon depicted by the provided sketch. The image shows different types of bird beaks, which are classic examples of adaptive radiation.

Let us analyze why the correct option is adaptive radiation:

1. Adaptive Radiation: This process involves the diversification of a single ancestral species into multiple species that are adapted to different environments or niches. The classic example of this is Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands, where different species evolved distinct beak shapes to exploit different types of food sources.
2. Eliminating Other Options:
   • Artificial Selection: This involves human intervention to breed plants or animals for specific traits. It does not typically result in a variety of naturally evolved species from a common ancestor.
   • Genetic Drift: This is a mechanism of evolution involving random changes in allele frequencies in a population. It does not directly explain the evolution of diverse forms from a single ancestor in different ecological niches.
   • Convergent Evolution: This occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits independently, often because they adapt to similar environments. It does not pertain to the divergence of traits from a common ancestor.

In conclusion, the provided sketch illustrates adaptive radiation, showing how species can evolve specific adaptations to utilize different ecological niches, as seen in the diversification of bird beak shapes.