Adaptive radiation is an evolutionary process where a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments. This often occurs when a species colonizes a new habitat with diverse ecological niches, allowing for the development of distinct traits suited to each niche. A classic example of adaptive radiation is seen in the Darwin's finches of the Galápagos Islands. These birds evolved from a common ancestor into multiple species, each with unique beak shapes and sizes that enable them to exploit different food sources, such as seeds, insects, and flowers.