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) allopatric speciation.
D) adaptive radiation.
E) microevolution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process by which many new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting new and different environments. The scenario described fits this definition, as it involves the emergence of many new species of desert lizards from a nonnative population introduced into a new environment (the American southwest).

Many New Species of Desert Lizards Have Arisen from a Nonnative