adaptive radiation meaning

Noun: adaptive radiation

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

Derived forms: adaptive radiations

Type of: radiation

Encyclopedia: Adaptive radiation

[Medicine]
n : evolutionary diversification of a generalized ancestral form with production of a number of adaptively specialized forms

Examples

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1. The subsequent adaptive radiation was spurred by a lack of niches.
2. Adaptive radiation of marsupials excluded competition with their terrestrial placental counterparts.
3. Following this paper, Stebbins developed the first model of adaptive radiation.
4. Evolution of mouse lemurs is an example for adaptive radiation.
5. The Devonian period experienced the first significant adaptive radiation of terrestrial life.