evolutionary diversification of a generalized ancestral form to produce a variety of specialized forms

The evolutionary diversification of a monophyletic lineage, leading to a variety of forms each adapted to particular environmental conditions.

relatively rapid diversification and expansion of an evolving group of organisms as they adapt to new niches.

The evolutionary divergence of a species into a variety of different forms, usually as an ancestral form encounters new resources or habitats.

The evolution of a species into a group of species, adapted to different niches.

rapid speciation after new characters arise (e.g., photosynthesis, flight), a new habitat is occupied (e.g., terrestrial), a new area is colonized (oceanic islands), or following mass extinctions.

the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of organisms as they fill different ecological niches

the evolution of new species among related populations resulting from their ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats.

ah-DAP-tiv RAID-ee-AY-shun The divergence of several new types of organisms from a single ancestral type. 381

Occurs when a species diversifies into multiple niches. This diversification is speciation-one species becomes many. Classic example: the prosimians of Madagascar.

an evolutionary pattern in which related species become dissimilar or less alike

in which a set of related species radiate and branch out to occupy and adapt to a range of diverse environmental niches

The diversification, over evolutionary time, of a species or group of species into several different species or subspecies that are typically adapted to different ecological niches (for example, Darwin's finches). The term can also be applied to the evolution of larger groups of organisms, as in "the adaptive radiation of mammals."

The development of a variety of species from a single ancestral form; occurs when a new habitat becomes available to a population. Evolutionary pattern of divergence of a great many taxa from a common ancestral species as a result of novel adaptations or a recent mass extinction. Examples: mammals during the Cenozoic Era after the extinction of dinosaurs at the close of the Mesozoic Era flowering plants during the Cretaceous Period diversified because of their reproductive advantages over gymnosperm and non-seed plants that dominated the floras of the world at that time.

Adaptive radiation is the diversification of a species as it adapts to different ecological niches. If successful, the species becomes specialized for the new environments (the mechanism being natural selection), and they eventually evolve into different species.

Evolutionary diversification of species derived from a common ancestor into a variety of ecological roles.

the evolution of a single ancestor species into several new species within a relatively short period of time and in a certain geographic area. The plants and animals of the Galápagos Islands are a result of adaptive radiation, where one plant or one animal species diversified into many species that fill a variety of ecological roles. For example, more than a dozen species of finches evolved from a single founding species that colonized the islands from the mainland of South America.

The evolution of new species or sub-species to fill unoccupied ecological niches.

Process in which numerous new species evolve to fill vacant and new ecological niches in changed environments, usually after a mass extinction or mass depletion. Typically, this takes millions of years.

Evolution, from a primitive type of organism, of several divergent forms adapted to distinct modes of life.

rapid speciation and diversification of a group into unoccupied ecological niches.

These terms refer to events during which a single species gives rise to many other species. The flowering plants are a good example of this, as are the dinosaurs. These events often happen after mass extinction events, but not always.

Evolutionary diversification of a generalized ancestral form with production of a number of specialized forms by adaptation.

The process of very different organisms forming by evolution in isolated, different environments from a common ancestor. Also called divergent evolution.

Adaptive radiation describes the rapid speciation of a single or a few species to fill many ecological niches. This is an evolutionary process driven by mutation (heritable/genetic variation) and natural selection.