Question

marsupials, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, are mammals that care for their newborn young in a pouch. all marsupials that are found in australia are thought to have evolved from a single species that migrated to the island and then adapted to the various niches. what does this example illustrate?
behavioral adaptation
adaptive radiation
geographic isolation
population explosion

Explanation:

• Behavioral adaptation: Refers to behaviors that organisms develop to survive, like migration or hibernation. The example is about species evolution, not behavior.
• Adaptive radiation: Occurs when a single species evolves into many different species to fill various ecological niches. Marsupials in Australia evolving from one species to kangaroos, koalas, wombats (different species in different niches) fits this.
• Geographic isolation: Is about a physical barrier separating populations. The question focuses on evolution from one species to many (not just isolation).
• Population explosion: Is a rapid increase in population size. The example is about speciation (forming new species), not just population size increase.

Answer:

adaptive radiation