[Campbell Biology P.593] Which of the following factors, as exemplified by the Hawaiian Isla... | Practice Question

Which of the following factors, as exemplified by the Hawaiian Islands, are considered to promote adaptive radiations?

  • A: Intense interspecies competition
  • B: Presence of diverse ecological niches and geographical isolation
  • C: High rates of random mutation
  • D: Frequent introduction of non-native plant species

Explanation

The text states that the 'physical diversity of each island, including immense variation in soil conditions, elevation, and rainfall, provides many opportunities for evolutionary divergence by natural selection. Multiple invasions followed by speciation events have ignited an explosion of adaptive radiation in Hawaii.' This highlights the importance of diverse ecological niches and geographical isolation for new species to evolve and diversify.