Question

Long answer question.

What is adaptive radiation? Explain with suitable example.

Answer 1

1. The process of evolution which results in the transformation of original species to many different varieties is called adaptive radiation.

2. Darwin’s Finches is one of the best examples of adaptive radiation. During his visit to Galapagos Islands, Charles Darwin also noticed a variety of small birds. These birds are now called Darwin’s finches. Darwin concluded that the American mainland species of the bird was the original one from which they migrated to the different islands of Galapagos. These birds adapted to the different environmental conditions of these islands. From original seed-eating features, many other forms with altered beaks evolved into insectivorous features.

3. Another example of adaptive radiation is Australian Marsupials. In Australia, there are many marsupial mammals who evolved from a common ancestor.