Explain adaptive radiation and convergent evolution by taking example

1.	Explain adaptive radiation and convergent evolution by taking example of some of Australian marsupials and Australian placental mammals.
Answer» The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation. Australian marsupials are good examples. A number of marsupials, each different from the other, evolved from an ancestral stock, but all within the Australian island continent. When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area convergent evolution is said to occur. Placental mammals in Australia also exhibit adaptive radiation in evolving into varieties of such placental mammals each of which appears similar to a corresponding marsupial. Eg., Placental wolf and Tasmanian wolf (marsupial).

Explain adaptive radiation and convergent evolution by taking example of some of Australian marsupials and Australian placental mammals.

Answer»

The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation. Australian marsupials are good examples.

A number of marsupials, each different from the other, evolved from an ancestral stock, but all within the Australian island continent. When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area convergent evolution is said to occur. Placental mammals in Australia also exhibit adaptive radiation in evolving into varieties of such placental mammals each of which appears similar to a corresponding marsupial. Eg., Placental wolf and Tasmanian wolf (marsupial).

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