Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What is adaptive radiation?

1. The rapid evolution of one species into multiple new species

2. The gradual evolution of species over time

3. The extinction of a species due to environmental changes

4. The transfer of species from one habitat to another

The correct answer is: The rapid evolution of one species into multiple new species

Adaptive radiation refers to the process in which a single ancestral species swiftly diversifies into a variety of forms that adapt to different ecological niches. This rapid evolution is often driven by factors such as environmental changes, new habitats becoming available, or the extinction of competing species. As a result, the descendants of the original species undergo significant adaptations, which allows them to exploit different resources or environments. In this context, the correct answer highlights this characteristic of adaptive radiation, emphasizing the transformation of one species into multiple new species that are suited to a range of ecological conditions. Evolutionary changes are significant and occur over a relatively short time scale compared to the gradual process of standard evolution. This understanding is important for studying biodiversity and the mechanisms behind the variety of life forms present in various ecosystems. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of adaptive radiation; they either describe processes that are slower, focus on extinction, or discuss species transfer without the element of rapid diversification and adaptation.