Question:

In Australia, marsupials and placental mammals have evolved to share many similar characteristics. This type of evolution may be referred to as :

Updated On: Aug 6, 2024
  • Adaptive Radiation
  • Divergent Evolution
  • Cyclical Evolution
  • Convergent Evolution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical habitat starting from a point and radiating to other geographical areas (habitats) is called adaptive radiation.

When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have performed in an isolated geographical area that is representing different habitats, is known as convergent evolution.
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Concepts Used:

Mechanisms of Evolution

The mechanism of evolution has been explained with theories such as the Big Bang Theory, the Theory of Darwin, and the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium where evolution is the process of natural selection that causes changes in the traits of species over multiple generations. 

The Big Bang Theory:

The most widely accepted theory for the origin of life on Earth and its various forms is the Big Bang Theory. According to the hypothesis, as a result of a massive explosion, the universe was created 20 billion years ago.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium:

According to the idea of Hardy-Weinberg, allelic frequency and gene pool remain stable throughout generations. Furthermore, the allelic frequencies add up to 1.

Theory of Darwin:

The Theory of Darwin's natural selection hypothesis provided a more reasonable explanation for the emergence of new species. As a result of adaptation to changing environmental conditions, natural selection led to the evolution of multiple species from a single species.