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 when a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into many new species, occupying different ecological niches. The lizard example shows a single - population forming multiple species in a short time, which is characteristic of adaptive radiation. The squirrel example is speciation over a long time, the bird example is adaptation, and the fish example is hybridization.

Answer:

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