Evolution
Adaptive Radiation
The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into many new species, each adapted to exploit different ecological niches. Often occurs when organisms colonize new environments with many unfilled niches.
Biological Context
Darwin's finches in the Galápagos, cichlid fish in African lakes, and Hawaiian honeycreepers all represent adaptive radiations. The ancestral population diversified into multiple species with specialized beaks, body forms, or behaviors suited to different resources.
Business Application
Business adaptive radiation: when a single innovation spawns multiple specialized variants serving different market niches. The smartphone created adaptive radiation in apps, accessories, and services.