When the London underground (subway) system was built in the nineteenth century, mosquitoes moved into the tunnels and became adapted to biting the customers and small animals that inhabit the subway system. Like people, mosquitoes can freely enter and leave through the tunnel entrances. Recently, DNA analysis and attempts to cross-breed above-ground mosquitoes with underground mosquitoes indicate that there are now two different species. The underground insects are visibly larger. Which term best describes what has happened?
A) adaptive radiation
B) behavioral incompatibility
C) temporal isolation
D) population bottleneck

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a multitude of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches. The London underground mosquitoes have adapted to a unique environment, diverging from their above-ground counterparts to the point of becoming a distinct species, which is a classic example of adaptive radiation.

When the London Underground (Subway) System Was Built in the Nineteenth