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Question
African cichlids are a group of closely related fish species. There are at least 500 known species living in three small lakes. Over time, specialized teeth and body colorations have evolved for each species in response to mutations and competition for food and mates. This change over time is an example of
Responses
A coevolution.coevolution.
B adaptive radiation.adaptive radiation.
C convergent evolution.convergent evolution.
D vestigial structures.
B adaptive radiation.
The change over time in African cichlids, where specialized teeth and body colorations have evolved for each species in response to mutations and competition for food and mates, is an example of adaptive radiation. Therefore, the correct answer is B: adaptive radiation.
The process described in the question, where specialized teeth and body colorations have evolved for each species in response to mutations and competition, is an example of adaptive radiation.
To arrive at this answer, we can break down the given options and eliminate those that do not fit the scenario:
A) Coevolution: Coevolution refers to the process where two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution. It involves a close relationship between two species, such as a predator and its prey, where changes in one species lead to changes in the other. While competition can play a role in coevolution, it does not fully capture the scenario of specialized adaptations evolving within a single group of species. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.
B) Adaptive radiation: This option describes the process whereby a single ancestral species diversifies into a multitude of descendant species to exploit different ecological niches. In the case of African cichlids, their specialized teeth and body colorations evolved in response to different ecological pressures related to food and mating. This diversification is a clear example of adaptive radiation. Therefore, this option seems to be the most fitting answer based on the given information.
C) Convergent evolution: Convergent evolution refers to the process where unrelated species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar selective pressures. While convergent evolution can lead to similar adaptations in different species, the scenario described in the question involves the evolution of unique and specialized traits specific to each species. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.
D) Vestigial structures: Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or traits that no longer serve a purpose in an organism's current form but were present in their ancestors. This option does not align with the scenario described in the question, where the focus is on the evolution of specialized teeth and body colorations. Hence, we can eliminate this option as well.
In conclusion, based on the given information, the most appropriate answer is B) adaptive radiation.