A single seed lands on one of a group of isolated islands. Several million years later, its descendants have evolved into a number of new species on the different islands, representing a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. This is an example of ____.
A) adaptive radiation
B) punctuated equilibrium
C) genetic drift
D) microevolution
E) mutation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a multitude of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches. The scenario described fits adaptive radiation, as a single seed evolves into various species across different islands, adapting to diverse environments and niches.

A Single Seed Lands on One of a Group of Isolated