AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adaptive radiation is a concept in evolutionary biology where the number of species with a common ancestor increase rapidly however they are characterised by great morphological and ecological variations. So, the correct answer is ‘Divergent evolution’.

Detailed explanation-2: -Statement 1: Evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from one point and radiating to other geographical areas is adaptive radiation, which falls under divergent evolution.

Detailed explanation-3: -Answer and Explanation: Adaptive radiations are examples of divergent evolution. Divergent evolution is the type of evolution which leads to closely related organisms becoming more and more different from each other over time.

Detailed explanation-4: -Classic examples of divergence in nature are the adaptive radiation of the finches of the Galapagos or the coloration differences in populations of a species that live in different habitats such as with pocket mice and fence lizards.

Detailed explanation-5: -Divergent evolution is the process whereby groups from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, resulting in the formation of new species.