In Lake Malawi, hundreds of distinct cichlid fish species have evolved from a single ancestral lineage within a relatively short geological period, each occupying specialized feeding roles such as algae-scraping, scale-eating, and mollusk-crushing. Which evolutionary process best accounts for this rapid diversification into diverse ecological niches?
- AConvergent evolution leading to analogous feeding structures among genetically unrelated species
- Adaptive radiation resulting in divergent evolution to occupy available ecological nichesAnswer
- CInheritance of acquired traits where physical jaw changes developed during an individual's lifetime are passed to offspring
- DCryptic mimicry where fish alter their morphology to blend into non-living aquatic surroundings
Answer
Adaptive radiation resulting in divergent evolution to occupy available ecological niches
Adaptive radiation occurs when a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a wide array of specialized forms to exploit different ecological niches. In Lake Malawi, the abundant unexploited habitats allowed cichlids to diverge morphologically and behaviorally from a shared common ancestor.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Adaptive Radiation and Speciation
Estimated Time:1m 0s