What does adaptive radiation typically produce?

Adaptive radiation typically produces a diversification of species into new environments. This evolutionary phenomenon occurs when an ancestral species rapidly evolves into a wide variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches. When a species finds itself in a novel environment, such as after a migration to an island or following a mass extinction event, it can undergo adaptations that lead to significant differences among the new populations. This process allows species to thrive in distinct habitats, leading to the emergence of new species that are well-suited to their specific environments. Examples of adaptive radiation can be seen in the finches of the Galápagos Islands, which evolved different beak shapes and sizes to take advantage of various food sources. This showcases the dynamic relationship between species and their environments, highlighting how environmental pressures can drive evolutionary change.