1. Adaptive radiation is the process of evolution which results in transformation of original species to many different varieties.
2. The well-known example of adaptive radiation is Darwin’s Finches. When Charles Darwin went on his voyage to Galapagos islands, he noticed finches which is a variety of small birds.
3. According to Darwin’s observations, the American main land species of finches was the original one which must have migrated to the different islands of Galapagos.
4. Since environmental conditions here were different, they adapted in various ways to the differing environmental conditions of these islands.
5. Original bird had a beak suited for eating seeds, but the changed feeding pattern has changed the shape of beaks too. Some birds also show altered beaks for insectivorous mode. Thus, this demonstrated adaptive radiation.
6. Adaptive radiation in Australian Marsupials is also well studied. In Australia, there are many marsupial mammals who evolved from common ancestor.
7. Adaptive radiation leads to divergent evolution.
