Which of the following best characterizes an adaptive...

Which of the following best characterizes an adaptive radiation? a. Speciation occurs extremely rapidly, and descendant populations occupy a large geographic area. b. A single lineage diversifies rapidly, and descendant populations occupy many habitats and ecological roles. c. Natural selection is particularly intense, because disruptive selection occurs. d. Species recover after a mass extinction.

Which of the following best characterizes an adaptive radiation?
a. Speciation occurs extremely rapidly, and descendant populations occupy a large geographic area.
b. A single lineage diversifies rapidly, and descendant populations occupy many habitats and ecological roles.
c. Natural selection is particularly intense, because disruptive selection occurs.
d. Species recover after a mass extinction.

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Key Concepts

Ecological Niches

Ecological niches describe the role and position a species occupies within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and its use of resources. Adaptive radiation involves the occupation of various ecological niches by the descending species, leading to specialized adaptations that reduce competition and promote coexistence.

Speciation

Speciation is the process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. In the context of adaptive radiation, rapid speciation is a key factor, as the ancestral species splits into multiple lineages that each exploit different adaptive zones.

Adaptive Radiation

Adaptive radiation is an evolutionary process in which a single ancestral lineage rapidly diversifies into a variety of species, each adapted to exploit different ecological niches. This phenomenon often occurs when new environmental opportunities arise, such as through colonization of new habitats or after mass extinctions that leave many vacant niches.

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