Adaptation is a type of `:`

Options

A. convergent evolution
B. divergent evolution
C. adaptive radiation
D. speciation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Adaptation:**
- Adaptation refers to the changes that organisms undergo to survive and reproduce in their specific environments. This process is crucial for the survival of species as it allows them to cope with environmental challenges.

2. **Identifying the Options:**
- The options provided are:
- Convergent evolution
- Divergent evolution
- Adaptive radiation
- Speciation

3. **Analyzing Convergent Evolution:**
- Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in different species that do not share a recent common ancestor. This is not the correct answer because adaptation is not about independent evolution of similar traits.

4. **Analyzing Divergent Evolution:**
- Divergent evolution involves the accumulation of differences between closely related populations, leading to speciation. While it relates to adaptation, it does not directly define what adaptation is.

5. **Analyzing Speciation:**
- Speciation is the evolutionary process where populations evolve to become distinct species. This is a broader concept and does not specifically refer to adaptation.

6. **Identifying Adaptive Radiation:**
- Adaptive radiation is a process where organisms diversify rapidly into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments. This concept aligns closely with adaptation, as it emphasizes the rapid evolution of adaptations in response to environmental challenges.

7. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, adaptation is best described as a type of adaptive radiation, where organisms develop traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

**Final Answer:**
Adaptation is a type of **adaptive radiation**.

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