Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 54 - 54.3 - Concept Check - Page 1229: 1

Answer

High and low levels of disruption discourage adaptive radiation, whereas intermediate levels can facilitate speciation.

Work Step by Step

Low levels of disturbance give few opportunities for new adaptations to develop or be selected due to the constant nature of the environment. High levels of disturbance have enough variability that only very well adapted and specialized species can survive, at the exclusion of others. At intermediate levels, there is exactly enough disruption for unfilled niches to form and encourage adaptation to them.
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