AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adaptive radiation is the rapid evolution of morphologically and ecologically diverse species from a single ancestor. The two classic examples of adaptive radiation are Darwin’s finches and the Hawaiian honeycreepers, which evolved remarkable levels of adaptive cranial morphological variation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Coyotes and wolves occupy different niches, but are also closely related. The entire group of animals known as marsupials (ex.: kangaroos, koalas and platypus) have adapted to having a “pouch” on their bodies, where their young can grow and develop.

Detailed explanation-3: -Adaptive radiations are best exemplified in closely related groups that have evolved in a relatively short time. A striking example is the radiation, beginning in the Paleogene Period (beginning 66 million years ago), of basal mammalian stock into forms adapted to running, leaping, climbing, swimming, and flying.

Detailed explanation-4: -In fact, many classic examples of adaptive radiations involve islands or lakes; notable examples include Darwin’s finches of the Galapagos, honeycreeper birds and silversword plants of Hawaii, and cichlid fish of lakes Malawi and Victoria in Africa.