Define adaptive radiation. How did Darwin explain adaptive radiation ?

• The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and radiating to other areas of geography (habitat) is called adaptive radiation. • -Charles Darwin realised that there were many varieties of finches in the Galapagos islands and conjectured that all the varieties of finches evolved in the island itself. -From the original seed eating features many other forms with altered beaks arose enabling them to become insectivorous and vegetarian finches.