Biology 2014 JAMB Past Questions - Question 50: Adaptive radiation is illustrated in

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

Adaptive radiation is the rapid spread of species as they adapt to new conditions. Adaptive radiation is used explain divergent evolution which is the evolution in which one species of animals or plants give rise to different forms or kinds (with little differences in traits). As the number of individuals of each form increases, each form spreads out to exploit new habitats and food sources. With time, this results in a number of populations. Each population adapted to it : particular habitat. Eventually, these populations differ from each other sufficiently:. become new species. Example the adaptive radiation of the Galapagos finches usually referred as Darwin finches. In the Galapago's main land, there were many birds, and very fierce competition for food. Few of these birds migrated from the mainland to Galapagos island and settled. In the island, there was little or no competition. These migrated birds: gave rise to fourteen species finches or birds not found in the main land; each with a differs" mode of feeding (biting and chewing, piercing and suckings ponging and lapping, picking sieving, filtering etc.) to enable them feed on different foe: materials: