Which concept involves a population evolving to fit diverse environments, such as the Galapagos Finches?

Which concept involves a population evolving to fit diverse environments, such as the Galapagos Finches?

• A. Divergent Evolution
• B. Adaptive Radiation
• C. Convergent Evolution
• D. Speciation

Answer: (B)

The concept of adaptive radiation is exemplified by the Galapagos finches, which illustrate how a single ancestral species can diversify into multiple forms, each adapted to different environments and ecological niches. This process occurs when a population finds itself in a variety of habitats that present different challenges and opportunities. Natural selection then favors individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in these specific environments, leading to the emergence of new species adapted to each niche. In the case of the Galapagos finches, the differences in beak size and shape among the various species correspond to the types of food available in their respective habitats, which is a direct result of the adaptive radiation process. As the finches adapted to utilize different food sources—such as seeds, insects, and flowers—they evolved distinct characteristics over time. The other concepts, while related to evolution, do not specifically capture the process of a population rapidly diversifying into many different forms based on varying environmental pressures, which is the hallmark of adaptive radiation.

The concept of adaptive radiation is exemplified by the Galapagos finches, which illustrate how a single ancestral species can diversify into multiple forms, each adapted to different environments and ecological niches. This process occurs when a population finds itself in a variety of habitats that present different challenges and opportunities. Natural selection then favors individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in these specific environments, leading to the emergence of new species adapted to each niche.

In the case of the Galapagos finches, the differences in beak size and shape among the various species correspond to the types of food available in their respective habitats, which is a direct result of the adaptive radiation process. As the finches adapted to utilize different food sources—such as seeds, insects, and flowers—they evolved distinct characteristics over time.

The other concepts, while related to evolution, do not specifically capture the process of a population rapidly diversifying into many different forms based on varying environmental pressures, which is the hallmark of adaptive radiation.