Which of the following statements are true?


I) Adaptive radiations often follow mass extinction events as organisms adapt to fill previously occupied niches.
II) Adaptive radiations are common on new volcanic islands where organisms can occupy many new environments.
III) The evolution of a new trait can trigger adaptive radiation as organisms are able to outcompete resident organisms in many different environments.

• A. I & II only.
• B. I & III.
• C. II & III.
• D. I, II, & III.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiation refers to the process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a multitude of new forms, particularly when changes in the environment make new resources available, create new challenges, or open new environmental niches.
2. Step 2: Analyze statement I. Adaptive radiations often follow mass extinction events as organisms adapt to fill previously occupied niches. This is true because mass extinctions can eliminate dominant species, allowing surviving species to exploit new niches.
3. Step 3: Analyze statement II. Adaptive radiations are common on new volcanic islands where organisms can occupy many new environments. This is true because new volcanic islands present a variety of unoccupied niches, allowing species to diversify and adapt to different environments.
4. Step 4: Analyze statement III. The evolution of a new trait can trigger adaptive radiation as organisms are able to outcompete resident organisms in many different environments. This is true because a new trait can provide a competitive advantage, allowing species to exploit new niches and diversify.
5. Step 5: Conclude that all three statements (I, II, and III) are true, as they each describe scenarios that can lead to adaptive radiation.