Question

Adaptive radiation is Australian marsupials are example of 1) divergent evolution 2)convergent evolution 3) saltation 4)none

Answer 1

The answer is Option 2) convergent evolution.  

Adaptive radiation in Australian marsupials is an example of convergent evolution. In this case, the organisms under consideration are not closely related to one another in any way. However, they independently develop similar traits because they have to adapt to similar environments.

Answer 2

Answer is - Convergent evolution

In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution refers to the process whereby organisms which are not closely related, independently evolve similar traits because they have to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.

All the extant marsupials are endemic to Australasia and the Americas. A distinctive characteristic is that most of them carry their young in a pouch. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, wombats, opossums are some well-known marsupials.