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An adaptive radiation was defined by Schluter (2000), as "the evolution of ecological diversity, within a rapidly multiplying lineage". Species can go through an adaptive radiation (involving a diversification of that species), in response to having invaded a vacant ecological niche. It is thought the ability to do this, can be attributed to one or more key innovations developed by this species (i.e. the species has developed a new ‘key innovation', which makes it possible to invade new niche, that was not possible before). A radiating clade, which is the original ancestral species and descendants, then has opportune to exploit the new resources that often come with this new vacant niche. (And perhaps not have to compete with other species present, for the same resources and space).

The role of a key innovation in an adaptive radiation can be thought of as a new feature which increases ecological opportunity (Schluter, 2000). This ecological opportunity, in turn, can be defined......

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Approximate Word Count: 1762
Approximate Pages: 8 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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