Adaptive Radiation Theory

Adaptive Radiation Theory is an evolutionary process where a single ancestor species rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments or niches. This typically happens when a species enters a new habitat with available resources and few competitors, leading to the development of distinct traits that enhance survival. A well-known example is the finches of the Galápagos Islands, which evolved different beak shapes to exploit various food sources. This concept illustrates how species adapt over time, resulting in biodiversity as they fill specific roles in their ecosystems.