When new species move into a wide range of habitats during microevolution, it is known as ____.
A)adaptive radiation
B)natural selection
C)genetic drift
D)mass extinction
E)minor extinction

Question

When new species move into a wide range of habitats during microevolution, it is known as ____. ​
A)adaptive radiation
B)natural selection
C)genetic drift
D)mass extinction
E)minor extinction

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process of diversification of a common ancestor into different species occupying a wide range of habitats, often due to microevolutionary events. It is an example of divergent evolution, where the species evolve to occupy different niches and adapt to different environmental conditions. Natural selection and genetic drift are also important mechanisms of evolution, but they do not necessarily lead to adaptive radiation. Mass and minor extinctions, on the other hand, are events that can reduce biodiversity and limit the potential for adaptive radiation.

When New Species Move into a Wide Range of Habitats