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Difficulty: EasyAdaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into multiple distinct species, each adapted to occupy a different ecological niche as seen in Galápagos finches, is known as which evolutionary process?

  1. Adaptive radiationAnswer
  2. B
    Convergent evolution
  3. C
    Inheritance of acquired characteristics
  4. D
    Protective mimicry

Answer

Adaptive radiation
Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process by which a single ancestral species diversifies into many different species, each occupying a distinct ecological niche and possessing specific adaptive features such as specialized beak shapes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scenario described in the question stem.
The stem describes one ancestral species diversifying into multiple new species with specialized adaptations for different niches.
Identifying the pattern of evolutionary divergence from a single common ancestor is necessary to determine the correct concept.
2
Relate the evolutionary pattern to the correct term.
The process is adaptive radiation.
Adaptive radiation specifically describes the ecological diversification of a common ancestral line into distinct specialized species.

Key Concept

Adaptive radiation
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Adaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

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