Adaptive radiation is common following a period of mass extinction, probably because (a) the survivors of a mass extinction are remarkably well adapted to their environment (b) the unchanging environment following a mass extinction drives the evolutionary process (c) many adaptive zones are empty(d) many ecological niches are filled (e) the environment induces changes in the timing of development for many species

What makes the finches on the Galapagos Islands a good example of adaptive radiation?         The thirteen different species of finches developed after there was a mass extinction on the Galapagos Islands.         All thirteen species of finches came from the mainland. However, over time, the finches specialized to their area on the island, and their beaks evolved to help them survive predators.          The finches were native to the islands. Over time, more finches from different areas came to the islands and crossbred with the other species on the island, creating more species of finches.         There are thirteen different species of finches on the Galapagos Islands. All thirteen species of finches share a common ancestor from the mainland. The different species of finches filled the vacant niches on the island and specialized.

Examine the image of the relatedness of vertebrates represented in this phylogenetic tree. Which statements are correctly inferred from this tree? Select all that apply.   A) The mammals are the outgroup in this tree.     B) Birds and dinosaurs share a recent common ancestor.     C) Mammals and birds are more closely related than any other species.     D) Turtles are equally as diverged from lizards and snakes as they are from crocodiles.     E) Lizards and snakes are more recently diverged from each other than they are from crocodiles.

How do we know how old a fossil is? A) We compare it to current species and see how much has changed B) We see how much soil is on top of it C) We use radiometric dating