What is adaptive radiation?

Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of an ancestral species into a variety of different forms that are each adapted to specific environmental niches. This process typically occurs when a species colonizes a new habitat with diverse ecological opportunities, such as after a mass extinction event or the geographical isolation of a population. The ancestral group diversifies, leading to the emergence of new species, each uniquely suited to their particular environment.

This choice highlights the speed and diversification aspect of evolution that characterizes adaptive radiation, distinguishing it from other evolutionary processes that may occur more slowly or in a more linear fashion. The concept of rapid evolution is essential, as it captures the dynamic nature of species formation in response to varying environmental pressures and available resources.

The other options focus on aspects of evolution like gradualism, convergent evolution, and natural selection, but they do not encapsulate the specific, rapid diversification from a common ancestor that defines adaptive radiation.