Why do island chains provide ideal conditions for adaptive radiation to occur?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Species might come on an island and adapt to diverse niches in order to lessen competition.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

Adaptive radiation is defined as the process by which organisms diversify into new forms in response to changes in their environment. Environmental stresses such as mass extinction have caused this diversity.

02

Explanation :

Adaptive radiation is observed on the islands because the islands are discovered to be a typical isolated geographical location with few geological units. So, if any ecological niche is utilised there, adaptive radiation is a possibility.

Dispersion occurs in a particular species population, and each species has its own niche, which is found to be different from that of another organism. These new habitats and niches will lead to colonization among the same species, which have different lifestyle preferences, resulting in multiple speciation.

There are several instances in the environment that demonstrate species adaptability.

Hawaiian honeycreepers are one of the most well-known examples of the island's variety. These birds' ancestors inhabited the islands and diversified into a variety of niches. Some of them consume fruits, while others eat seeds and nectar.

On the island, a creature arrives and divides into several niches by utilizing various food supplies, reducing competition among the organisms.

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