Adaptive Radiation
Chapter Name : Evolution |
Sub Topic Code : 103_12_07_04_01 |
Topic Name : Adaptive Radiation |
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Sub Topic Name : Adaptive Radiation |
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Introduction
Get a view of the principles of evolution.
Pre-Requisites:
Understanding of Darwinian principles.
Activity:
Try finding out other examples of adaptive radiation in your surroundings.
Real Life Question:
How do some animals appear so different physically but have common characteristics?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Adaptive radiation | The process of evolution of different species starting from a point and gradually radiating (spreading) to other areas of geography (habitats). |
| Convergent Evolution | When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area, with different habitats, it is known as convergent evolution. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Encyclopedia | Research on adaptive radiation and other principles of evolution. |
Places to visit :
Maybe zoo or a wildlife sanctuary. Gather information about whether any examples of adaptive radiation exist.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Cichlid fishes in lake Malawi | Cichlid fishes have diversified in East African lakes into more than 600 species. This diversification may have been possible because different fish lineages evolved to take advantage of different foods (including insects, algae, mollusks, small fish, large fish, other fishes’ scales, and even other fishes’ eyes!). |
What you learn in Theory:
Learnt about the principles of evolution like adaptive radiation and convergent evolution.