Which term describes rapid speciation under conditions in which there is little competition?

• A. Stabilizing selection
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Convergent evolution
• D. Adaptive radiation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of adaptive radiation: Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor when new ecological niches become available, often due to reduced competition or environmental changes.
2. Compare adaptive radiation with stabilizing selection: Stabilizing selection reduces variation in a population by favoring intermediate traits, which does not lead to rapid speciation. Adaptive radiation, on the other hand, promotes diversification into new species.
3. Contrast adaptive radiation with genetic drift: Genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which may lead to evolution but is not typically associated with rapid speciation under low competition conditions.
4. Differentiate adaptive radiation from convergent evolution: Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, but it does not involve rapid speciation from a common ancestor.
5. Conclude that adaptive radiation is the correct term: Adaptive radiation specifically describes the rapid speciation process under conditions of little competition, as organisms exploit available ecological niches.