34. Formation of various species from one common ancestor is termed as
    (1) Adaptive radiation (2) Phylogeny
    (3) Cladistics (4) Natural selection

Introduction

Adaptive radiation is a fundamental evolutionary process that explains how a single ancestral species can diversify into multiple distinct species, each adapted to different environments or ecological roles. This phenomenon is key to understanding biodiversity and the origin of new species in relatively short geological times.

What Is Adaptive Radiation?

Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of many species from a common ancestor, especially when new habitats or niches become available. It involves the divergence of populations as they adapt to different environmental conditions, resources, or lifestyles.

Key Features of Adaptive Radiation

• Common Ancestry: All species involved share a recent common ancestor.

• Ecological Diversity: Descendant species exploit different ecological niches.

• Rapid Speciation: The diversification occurs relatively quickly in evolutionary terms.

• Phenotypic Adaptation: Species develop distinct physical or behavioral traits suited to their niches.

Classic Examples of Adaptive Radiation

• Darwin’s Finches: On the Galápagos Islands, finches evolved from a single ancestral species into multiple species with different beak shapes adapted to various food sources like seeds, insects, and cactus flowers.

• Australian Marsupials: From a common ancestor, marsupials diversified into species occupying diverse roles such as carnivores, herbivores, and arboreal animals.

• Cichlid Fishes: In African Great Lakes, hundreds of cichlid species evolved rapidly, each adapted to specific feeding strategies and habitats.

Causes of Adaptive Radiation

Several factors drive adaptive radiation:

• Ecological Opportunity: Availability of unoccupied niches due to colonization of new habitats or extinction of competitors.

• Environmental Heterogeneity: Diverse habitats encourage specialization.

• Genetic Variation: Sufficient genetic diversity allows populations to adapt to different conditions.

• Isolation: Geographic or reproductive isolation promotes divergence.

Adaptive Radiation vs. Other Evolutionary Concepts

Importance of Adaptive Radiation

Adaptive radiation explains the origin of much of the Earth’s biodiversity. It illustrates how species can rapidly evolve to fill various ecological roles, contributing to ecosystem complexity and resilience.

Conclusion

The formation of various species from one common ancestor through adaptation to different environments is termed adaptive radiation. This process, exemplified by Darwin’s finches and many other groups, is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and helps explain the rich diversity of life on Earth.

Correct answer:
(1) Adaptive radiation

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Adaptive radiation continues to be a vibrant field of study, shedding light on how life diversifies and adapts in a changing world.