Many new species of desert lizards have arisen from a nonnative population which was introduced into the American southwest.This example best describes:
A) the effects of climatic change.
B) sympatric speciation.
C) adaptive radiation.
D) microevolution.
E) allopatric speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation occurs when a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a variety of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches. The introduction of a nonnative population into a new environment like the American southwest can lead to adaptive radiation as the species adapt to different niches within the desert ecosystem.

Many New Species of Desert Lizards Have Arisen from a Nonnative