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?
o behavioral adaptation
o adaptive radiation
o geographic isolation
o population explosion

Explanation:

• Behavioral adaptation: Refers to changes in behavior for survival, not relevant here as the example is about species evolution from a single ancestor.
• Adaptive radiation: Occurs when a single species evolves into multiple species to fill different ecological niches. Here, marsupials in Australia evolved from a single species to adapt to various niches, which fits this concept.
• Geographic isolation: Involves separation by geographical barriers. While migration to Australia (a form of isolation) might be part of the story, the key is the evolution into multiple species (adaptive radiation), not just isolation.
• Population explosion: Refers to a rapid increase in population size, which is not the focus of the example.

Answer:

adaptive radiation