Question

Which one of the following is not an example of adaptive radiation?

• A. Australian Marsupials
• B. Australian Placental Mammals
• C. Moths in England
• D. Darwins Finches

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Moths in England

Answer 2

The example that is not considered an adaptive radiation is "Moths in England."

Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into a variety of forms, each adapted to occupy different ecological niches. This process typically occurs when a species colonizes a new habitat with diverse and unoccupied niches. Both Australian Marsupials and Australian Placental Mammals are examples of adaptive radiation. In Australia, due to the geographical isolation and lack of competition from placental mammals, marsupials have undergone extensive diversification, occupying various ecological niches. Darwin's Finches in the Galapagos Islands are a classic example of adaptive radiation.

These finches evolved from a common ancestor and adapted to different food sources and habitats on different islands in the Galapagos archipelago. However, the example "Moths in England" does not represent adaptive radiation. It is likely a reference to industrial melanism, where moth populations experienced changes in coloration due to environmental pollution during the industrial revolution.

This phenomenon is an example of natural selection acting on pre-existing variation, rather than the diversification of a single species into multiple forms.