Question

which of the following is an example of adaptive radiation? one population of squirrels becomes two separate species over a long time. one population of lizards forms 15 separate species over a short time. one species of birds becomes better suited to its environment over time. one species of fish forms when two species of fish begin to breed with each other.

Explanation:

Adaptive radiation is the process where a single ancestral species rapidly evolves into many distinct species, each adapted to a specific niche, over a relatively short period.

• The first option describes allopatric speciation over a long time, not adaptive radiation.
• The second option matches the definition: a single lizard population forms many species quickly.
• The third option describes gradual adaptation of one species, not radiation into multiple species.
• The fourth option describes hybridization leading to a new species, not adaptive radiation.

Answer:

One population of lizards forms 15 separate species over a short time.