The significance of adaptive radiation lies in its role in promoting biodiversity and evolution. This process occurs when a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple forms to adapt to various environments or ecological niches. Adaptive radiation often follows significant events, such as mass extinctions or the colonization of new habitats. Examples include Darwin's finches, which evolved distinct beak shapes based on available food sources. By driving speciation and the development of unique adaptations, adaptive radiation contributes to the complexity and resilience of ecosystems, enriching the tapestry of life on Earth.