Ehrlich and Raven hypothesized that if a new defensive trait evolves in a single plant species (or if a new trait to counteract a plant's defenses evolves in an herbivore species) the appearance of that trait could result in a period of species diversification. Their hypothesis is also referred to as the _____ hypothesis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis is referred to as the "escape and radiate" hypothesis, as it suggests that the evolution of a new defensive trait in a single plant species (or a new trait to counteract a plant's defenses in an herbivore species) can lead to the escape of some herbivores from that plant species and the subsequent radiation or diversification of those herbivores into new species.

Ehrlich and Raven Hypothesized That If a New Defensive Trait