Definition
noun
The diversification of several new species from a recent ancestral source, each adapted to utilize or occupy a vacant adaptive zone
Supplement
Adaptive radiation is said to have occurred when an adaptive zone that is (or has become) vacant caused the ancestral species to diversify into a variety of related forms within a relatively short period of time. Each of them is adapted to fit to a particular environmental niche.
The common example of adaptive radiation is the honeycreepers in Hawaii. Since Hawaii is an island, there were fewer birds (thus, fewer competition for food) while several adaptive zones were available. Some of them evolved and had firmer, smaller beaks to rip away bark for insects; others had longer, curved beaks to sip nectar from tubular flowers.
See also:
 | ADAPTIVE RADIATION QUIZ A two-paged questionnaire on adaptive radiation. The first page is a multiple choice and the second page is diagram analysis. This is meant to assess the comprehension of adaptive radiation while enhancing critical thinking skills. Subjects: Genetics & Evolution |
