Question

‘Descent with modification’ explains
A. Convergent evolution
B. Adaptive radiation
C. Parallel evolution
D. Co-evolution

Answer 1

Hint:- The term ‘descent with modification’ is an evolutionary term which is related to the concept of evolution in humans. As we look for the meaning of this term, it basically means passing down characteristics/traits from one generation to another while undergoing some modification with time.

Complete step-by-step solution:-The modifications or changes that occur from one generation to another may be caused due to mutation in the DNA or natural selection. Charles Darwin used the term ‘descent with modification’ in his book The Descent of Man from where it became popular.
Adaptive radiation is a process in evolution in which organisms or individuals modify/change quickly from their ancestral form to a new form to adjust with the changing environment with respect to the resources available, and thereby leads to a new life with new challenges. In general, this process explains the formation of new species from a single ancestor while going through speciation and adaptation in physical characters. A common example of adaptive radiation is the speciation of finches on the Galapagos Island.
Thus adaptive radiation explains the evolutionary pattern in which many species are formed from a single ancestor. Adaptive radiation, thus, is a subset of the theory explaining ‘descent with modification’, telling how new species generated are related to each other having a common ancestor. So the correct option is (B) Adaptive radiation.

Note:- Convergent evolution is the formation of similar features in different species (not having a common ancestor) due to environmental needs. It leads to the formation of analogous structures having similar functions.
Parallel evolution is the formation of similar traits in species that have the same ancestor but are distinct from each other.
Co-evolution is described as the modification in an object due to another related object. It can be best explained as a change in the genetic composition of a species due to other closely related species.
Convergent evolution, parallel evolution and co-evolution are thus not related to ‘descent with modification’.