Question

Give an example of an adaptive radiation. Provide evidence to support the claim that the radiation originated with one or a few species, that it was rapid and the descendant groups occupy a wide array of ecological niches. Suggest a hypothesis to explain why the radiation occurred.

Answer 1

The Hawaiian honeycreeper is an example of adaptive radiation, with multiple species evolving from a single species. The honeycreepers occupy a wide array of ecological niches, and their rapid speciation provides evidence of a rapid radiation originating from one species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The honeycreepers occupy a wide array of ecological niches, with each species having distinct adaptations based on their feeding habits and preferred habitat. The rapid and diverse speciation of the honeycreepers provides evidence that the radiation originated from a single point and occurred quickly.

A hypothesis to explain why the radiation occurred in the Hawaiian honeycreeper could be the availability of different resources and habitats on each of the Hawaiian Islands. As the ancestral honeycreepers dispersed and colonized different islands, they encountered unique ecological conditions, leading to the evolution of different adaptations and speciation events.

This hypothesis suggests that the availability of unoccupied niches and the process of geographic isolation played significant roles in driving the adaptive radiation of the honeycreepers.

Answer 2

An example of an adaptive radiation with evidence to support the claim that the radiation originated with one or a few species is discussed below in details.

Step-by-step explanation:

The method of evolution of various classes in a given geographical area originating from a spot and spreading to other regions or habitat is described as adaptive radiation. For example, modifications in nozzles of finches on Galapagos island.

Adaptive radiation indicates the adaptation of an organism that allows it to favorably spread, or radiate, into other circumstances. Adaptive radiation commences to speciation and is only used to explain living organisms.