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Multiple Choice
Which term describes rapid speciation under conditions in which there is little competition?
A
Stabilizing selection
B
Genetic drift
C
Convergent evolution
D
Adaptive radiation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of adaptive radiation: Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor when new ecological niches become available, often due to reduced competition or environmental changes.
Compare adaptive radiation with stabilizing selection: Stabilizing selection reduces variation in a population by favoring intermediate traits, which does not lead to rapid speciation. Adaptive radiation, on the other hand, promotes diversification into new species.
Contrast adaptive radiation with genetic drift: Genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which may lead to evolution but is not typically associated with rapid speciation under low competition conditions.
Differentiate adaptive radiation from convergent evolution: Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, but it does not involve rapid speciation from a common ancestor.
Conclude that adaptive radiation is the correct term: Adaptive radiation specifically describes the rapid speciation process under conditions of little competition, as organisms exploit available ecological niches.