What is adaptive radiation?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Adaptive Radiation**: Adaptive radiation is an evolutionary process where organisms diversify rapidly from an ancestral species into a wide variety of forms that are adapted to different environments or ecological niches.

2. **Relation to Evolution and Adaptation**: This concept is closely related to the processes of evolution and adaptation, where species evolve traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments.

3. **Mechanism of Adaptive Radiation**: The process begins with a common ancestor. From this single ancestor, various species emerge, each adapting to different environmental conditions. This diversification occurs rapidly, leading to a multitude of new forms.

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