Adaptive radiation can be considered a macroevolutionary process. Which of the following provides the MOST direct evidence for adaptive radiation in the fossil record?
A gradual, linear progression of changes in a single lineage over a long period.
The discovery of transitional fossils showing intermediate forms between ancestral and descendant species.
A sudden appearance of many related species in a relatively short geological timeframe, often correlated with a new environment or resource.
The presence of homologous structures in distantly related organisms.
Related Questions
Connect the marsupial with its primary food source:
Koala
Kangaroo
Tasmanian Devil
Bandicoot
(a) Insects and other invertebrates
(b) Eucalyptus leaves
(c) Grass
(d) Carrion and small animals
1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d
1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a
1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c
Island biogeography theory predicts that larger islands tend to have higher biodiversity. How does this relate to adaptive radiation?
Larger islands have lower extinction rates, preserving the products of adaptive radiation.
Larger islands attract more migrating species, providing a starting point for adaptive radiation.
Larger islands offer more diverse habitats and resources, increasing the likelihood of adaptive radiation.
Larger islands have higher mutation rates, promoting the genetic variation necessary for adaptive radiation.
Which of the following represents a set of Australian marsupials demonstrating adaptive radiation?
Bandicoots, Kangaroos, Koalas, Tasmanian devils
Platypus, Echidna, Wombat, Numbat
Dingo, Kangaroo, Wallaby, Tasmanian tiger
Possum, Glider, Quoll, Bilby
Australian marsupials exhibit adaptive radiation. Which example illustrates a carnivorous niche filled by a marsupial?
Koala
Kangaroo
Tasmanian devil
Wombat
The cichlid fishes of the African Great Lakes exemplify remarkable adaptive radiation. However, some lakes show far greater cichlid diversity than others. Which factor is MOST likely to explain this variation in diversity among lakes?
Uniform water temperature and oxygen levels throughout the lake
Absence of other competing fish species in the lake
Presence of diverse habitats and resources within the lake
Lower rates of predation on cichlids in some lakes
Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands exhibit diverse beak morphologies adapted to different food sources. Which of the following BEST describes the genetic mechanism underlying this diversification, assuming the ancestral finch population had limited beak variation?
Horizontal gene transfer from other bird species introduced new beak morphologies.
Hybridization between different finch species generated novel beak shapes.
Mutations in regulatory genes controlling beak development led to variations upon which natural selection acted.
Environmental factors directly induced heritable changes in beak structure.
Distinguish between adaptive radiation and convergent evolution. Which statement is TRUE?
Both adaptive radiation and convergent evolution result in homologous structures.
Adaptive radiation involves unrelated species evolving similar traits, while convergent evolution involves diversification from a common ancestor.
Adaptive radiation is driven by genetic drift, while convergent evolution is driven by natural selection.
Adaptive radiation involves diversification from a common ancestor, while convergent evolution involves unrelated species evolving similar traits.
Adaptive radiation can be considered a macroevolutionary process. Which of the following provides the MOST direct evidence for adaptive radiation in the fossil record?
A gradual, linear progression of changes in a single lineage over a long period.
The discovery of transitional fossils showing intermediate forms between ancestral and descendant species.
A sudden appearance of many related species in a relatively short geological timeframe, often correlated with a new environment or resource.
The presence of homologous structures in distantly related organisms.
Adaptive radiation is characterized by rapid diversification. Which ecological factor is LEAST likely to be a primary driver of rapid adaptive radiation?
Colonization of a new, geographically isolated environment
Mass extinction events creating vacant ecological niches
Evolution of a key innovation that allows exploitation of new resources
Stable environmental conditions over long periods
Which adaptation is NOT observed in the listed Australian marsupials as a result of adaptive radiation?
Specialized dentition for herbivory (Kangaroo)
Arboreal lifestyle with grasping hands and feet (Koala)
Retractable claws
Nocturnal behavior and pointed snout for insectivory (Bandicoot)
