Adaptive Radiation in Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids
Common Ancestral Species
The concept of a common ancestral species is fundamental in evolutionary biology. In the case of the mbuna cichlids in Lake Malawi, all the over 400 species currently existing are believed to have descended from a single common ancestor species. This common ancestor was the starting point from which the diverse array of species we see today evolved.
Adaptive Radiation
What is adaptive radiation?Adaptive radiation is a process in which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a wide range of descendant species that occupy different ecological niches. This phenomenon is often observed in isolated environments with diverse ecological opportunities, such as Lake Malawi, where the mbuna cichlids have evolved into over 400 species.
Evolutionary Advantage of Different Diets
How did different fish lineages evolving to take advantage of different foods contribute to diversification?By evolving to exploit various food sources available in the lake, different fish lineages were able to reduce competition among themselves. This allowed them to coexist and thrive in Lake Malawi by occupying different ecological niches. Over time, this led to the diversification and speciation of the mbuna cichlids.
Convergent Evolution
How does convergent evolution play a role in the diversification of mbuna cichlids?Convergent evolution occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits or adaptations to suit their environment. In the case of the mbuna cichlids, the various species that descended from a common ancestor have evolved different strategies for survival and reproduction, leading to their remarkable diversity in Lake Malawi.