From approximately 240 to 66 million years ago, dinosaurs dominated most of the land habitats on earth. around 66 million years ago, most dinosaurs went extinct when an asteroid struck the earth. mammals, which were much smaller and lived primarily in underground habitats, were able to avoid extinction. mammals then underwent an adaptive radiation to develop a wide variety of new species. which statement best explains why the adaptive radiation of mammals was possible? a. new species were able to form because the change in environmental conditions increased the mutation rate of mammals. b. populations of mammals were able to rapidly increase since the earth had a single, large habitat after the asteroid hit. c. mammals were able to diversify to make use of the variety of habitats that were previously occupied by dinosaurs. d. the loss of predation decreased the rate at which mammals became reproductively isolated from one another.

The correct answer is option C, that is, mammals were able to diversify to make use of the variety of habitats that were previously occupied by dinosaurs.

Adaptive radiation refers to the comparatively fast evolution of various species from a single common ancestor. Adaptive radiation usually takes place when a species enters a novel area and distinct traits influence its existence. An illustration of adaptive radiation is the progression of mammals after the annihilation of dinosaurs.  

C for you, A for PLATO/Edmentum user.

as the gila monster consumes the eggs or young of the desert cottontail and gambel's quail, thus its main food supply is only accessible for a restricted time duration every year. however, for this, the gila monsters exhibit three adaptations, which elevate their survival rate in the desert condition.  

first, is that they possess huge bodies, and can consume greater concentrations of food during a small period. secondly, they require to feed infrequently as they can accumulate fat in their tails. ultimately, their rate of metabolism is very low, so that they can burn their reservoirs of fat gradually.  

the correct answer is d