Question

Select the correct group/set of Australian Marsupials exhibiting adaptive radiation.

• A. Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger
• B. Mole, Flying squirrel, Tasmanian tiger cat
• C. Lemur, Anteater, Wolf
• D. Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole

The question is asking about Australian marsupials that exhibit adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiation refers to the process where organisms rapidly diversify into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, often after a major environmental change or the introduction of new habitats.

In the context of Australian marsupials, the process of adaptive radiation is well demonstrated by species like the Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, and the marsupial mole. These species evolved from a common ancestor but adapted to different environments and ecological niches, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of marsupials in Australia.

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Option 1 – Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger: These species are indeed marsupials found in Australia, but they do not necessarily exhibit adaptive radiation as a group. They belong to different ecological niches, but not in the same manner as adaptive radiation would show. For example, while the numbat and spotted cuscus both live in forests, their ecological roles and feeding habits are quite distinct.

Option 2 – Mole, Flying squirrel, Tasmanian tiger cat: While some of these animals are native to Australia, they do not represent marsupials, and the Tasmanian tiger cat (now extinct) is more related to other carnivorous mammals rather than showing adaptive radiation in marsupials.

Option 3 – Lemur, Anteater, Wolf: This set of animals is not related to Australian marsupials. Lemurs, anteaters, and wolves are not marsupials and do not exhibit adaptive radiation within the context of Australian ecosystems.

Option 4 – Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole: This is the correct answer. The Tasmanian wolf (or Tasmanian tiger, now extinct), bobcat (another name for the Tasmanian devil), and marsupial mole are excellent examples of adaptive radiation among Australian marsupials. These species have evolved from a common ancestor into different ecological niches across Australia, showcasing the process of adaptive radiation.

Conclusion: The best example of adaptive radiation in Australian marsupials is found in Option 4, as these animals evolved distinct traits to adapt to diverse environments across the continent.