Question

adaptive radiation occurs when many different species originate from a common ancestor over time. which of the following would cause adaptive radiation to occur? a population that never changes a mass extinction event a drop in reproductive rates

Explanation:

Adaptive radiation is a process where organisms diversify rapidly from an ancestral species into a multitude of new forms, especially when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches. A mass - extinction event can lead to adaptive radiation. When many species are wiped out in a mass - extinction, the remaining species may face less competition. They can then exploit new ecological niches. For example, after the extinction of dinosaurs (a mass - extinction event), mammals were able to diversify and adapt to various ecological roles. A population that never changes would not lead to adaptive radiation as there is no speciation or diversification. A drop in reproductive rates would rather hamper the ability of a species to diversify and colonize new niches.

Answer:

a mass extinction event