The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and dispersing to other areas is called as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Adaptive radiations
Option (2) Adaptive radiations — Correct. When different species evolve from one starting point in a geographical area and spread into other areas (habitats), the process is called adaptive radiation. Darwin’s finches and Australian marsupials are examples.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 22-05-2026 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
What Is Adaptive Radiation? – “… From the original seed-eating features, many other forms with altered beaks arose, enabling them to become insectivorous and vegetarian finches (Figure 6.5). This process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation. Darwin’s finches represent one of the best examples of this phenomenon. Another example is Australian marsupials. A number of marsupials, each different from the other (Figure 6.6) evolved from an ancestral stock, but all within the Australian island continent.”