Hawaiian honeycreepers include a number of related bird species with different beak types.

Question

according to evolutionary theory, what most likely led to high biodiversity among these birds?

birds with a variety of adaptive traits migrated to the islands

individual birds adapted to better utilize their ancestors traits

ancestor bird populations adapted to survive a variety of habitats

unrelated birds reproduced to create new species with adaptive traits

Answer 1

According to evolutionary theory, the most likely explanation for the high biodiversity among Hawaiian honeycreepers is that ancestor bird populations adapted to survive a variety of habitats.

This adaptive radiation occurs when a single ancestor species diversifies into various forms to exploit different ecological niches. In the case of Hawaiian honeycreepers, their varied beak shapes and sizes enable them to access different food sources and thrive in a range of environments across the islands.