adaptiveradiation
nounUK /əˈdæp.tɪv ˌreɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/
US /əˈdæp.tɪv ˌreɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/
When one kind of animal spreads out into many new kinds that each fit a different way of living.
The many kinds of finches on the islands are a famous example of adaptive radiation.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The fast growth of many new species from a single ancestor when new habitats open up.
After the dinosaurs vanished, mammals underwent adaptive radiation into many new forms.
3. In biology, the spreading of a group into different niches so each member becomes specialized.
Adaptive radiation let the lizards develop different diets and body shapes on each island.
4. Any process where one starting form branches into many varied versions that suit their surroundings.
Scientists described the adaptive radiation of the fish into lake, river, and cave types.