Adaptive Radiation

The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation. 

• Adaptive Radiation - Process of evolution of different species starting from one point and radiating to other habitats in a given geographical area.
• Darwin's Finches - Best example of adaptive radiation; small birds observed by Darwin in the Galapagos Islands; originally migrated from the American mainland.
• How it Occurred - Original seed-eating birds adapted to different environmental conditions of different islands; evolved into many forms with altered beaks (e.g. insectivorous features).
• Australian Marsupials - Another example: many marsupial mammals in Australia evolved from a common ancestor through adaptive radiation.
• Significance - Provides strong evidence of evolution; shows how natural selection drives species diversification and the creation of new species from a single ancestor.