Question
Which pattern of evolution results in one species splitting into many over time?
Answer
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Ophelia
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
adaptive radiation
Explanation
This is a multiple-choice question looking at four different patterns of evolution: adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, stabilizing evolution, and punctuated equilibrium. The question requires the identification of which pattern leads to a species diverging into many different species over time. Adaptive radiation is a mode of evolution in which a pioneer species divides into many new species in order to exploit varying niches. This process results in evolutionarily related but vastly divergent species, making adaptive radiation the pattern of evolution that leads to one species splintering into many over time. Convergent evolution refers to unrelated species independently evolving similar traits. Stabilizing evolution favors the average individuals and reduces variance within a population. Punctuated equilibrium is the hypothesis that species undergo rapid changes in a short period of time followed by long periods of little or no change.