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:

1. Analyze each option:

• Behavioral adaptation: Focuses on behavioral changes, not species diversification from a common ancestor. The example is about species evolving into different niches, not behavior. Eliminate.
• Adaptive radiation: Occurs when a single species evolves into multiple species to fill different ecological niches. The marsupials in Australia evolved from one species to adapt to various niches, matching this.
• Geographic isolation: Involves separation by geography, but the example is about diversification after migration, not just isolation. Eliminate.
• Population explosion: Refers to rapid population growth, not species diversification. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. adaptive radiation