Adaptive radiation is divergent evolution... but if there is more than one adaptive radiation in a isolated area that is convergent....

**Adaptive radiation- convergent or divergent evolution?**

Adaptive radiation refers to the process by which a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple species that occupy different ecological niches. This phenomenon plays a significant role in shaping the biodiversity of our planet.

**Divergent Evolution:**
Adaptive radiation is primarily an example of divergent evolution. Divergent evolution occurs when a single ancestral species gives rise to multiple descendant species, each adapted to occupy a unique ecological niche. As the ancestral population disperses into different environments or niches, natural selection acts upon them, favoring traits that allow individuals to exploit available resources. Over time, this selection pressure leads to the development of distinct adaptations and the divergence of the populations, eventually resulting in the formation of new species.

**Convergent Evolution:**
However, it is important to note that adaptive radiation can also involve instances of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental pressures. In adaptive radiation, different ancestral species may undergo similar evolutionary changes to exploit similar ecological niches. This can result in the formation of species with similar traits, even though they are not closely related.

**Examples:**
One classic example of adaptive radiation is the finch species of the Galapagos Islands. These finches are believed to have descended from a common ancestor that arrived on the islands. Over time, they diversified into several species, each with different beak shapes and sizes. This divergence in beak morphology allowed them to exploit different food sources available on the islands, such as seeds, insects, or nectar. The finches' beaks underwent divergent evolution as each species adapted to its specific food source, leading to the formation of distinct species.

Another example of adaptive radiation can be seen in the mammalian radiation that occurred after the extinction of dinosaurs. Mammals rapidly diversified into various ecological niches, occupying roles that were previously dominated by dinosaurs. This diversification led to the evolution of a wide range of body sizes, dietary preferences, locomotion abilities, and other adaptations, enabling mammals to exploit different environments and resources.

In summary, adaptive radiation is primarily an example of divergent evolution, as a single ancestral species gives rise to multiple descendant species that occupy different ecological niches. However, instances of convergent evolution can also occur within adaptive radiation when unrelated species independently evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures.