Explain the process of adaptive radiation. Give an example.

Adaptive radiation usually refers to the diversification of living species that are evolved from a common ancestor. There occur changes and modifications in the ecological system, due to which the species can adapt to the changing environment with the available resources. It also modifies the ways in which the existing species interacts with the surrounding environment. Here, the species select the ecological niches naturally.

A plant named 'silver sword' that is commonly found in Hawaii, and the appearance and diversification of mammals after the extinction of dinosaurs by the end of Cretaceous, are two examples of adaptive radiation.