What is adaptive radiation?

Adaptive radiation refers to a process in which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a range of forms that adapt to different environments or ecological niches. This phenomenon often occurs when populations of a species spread to new habitats that present different challenges and opportunities, thereby exerting selective pressures that promote a variety of adaptations.

The key aspect of adaptive radiation is its speed and the fact that it results from a common ancestor branching out into multiple species, each uniquely adapted to thrive in specific conditions. This can be observed in examples such as the finches of the Galápagos Islands, which evolved from a common ancestor into several species, each with differing beak shapes tailored to their specific dietary needs.

The other options do not capture the essence of adaptive radiation. The gradual evolution of a single species over time describes a more linear process of change rather than the rapid diversification seen in adaptive radiation. Extinction due to environmental changes does not relate to the creation of new species. Lastly, adaptation to a specific habitat indicates a singular focus rather than the broader diversification characteristic of adaptive radiation.