Describe one example of adaptive radiation.

i. Adaptive radiation is the evolution of organisms such that a single species diverges into many through changes in the habitat and other habits so as to survive in a particular geographical area without facing competition. The best example of adaptive radiation is Darwin’s Fiches.

ii. During his journey, Darwin observed a variety of birds in the Galapagos Islands. He observed that all these birds had evolved from a common ancestor.

iii. The birds, originally fed on seeds. But due to increase in population and limited resources, started facing competition. As a result, various birds acquired different features depending on the kind of food they procured.

iv. So, earlier to be of a single kind, these birds diverged into having different variety of beaks depending on their food habits- Seeds, insects, nectar, etc. thus enabling them to survive in the same geographical area without facing any competition.

v. Another example of adaptive radiation is Australian marsupials.