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.

increase soil erosion                                             reduce soil erosion

cattle grazing                                                         hydroseeding

deforestation                                                         contour plowing

                                                                                planting vegetation

plant roots basically hold the top soil

together and stop soil erosion because

in such situation top soil is not removed

during flood but cattle grazing causes

soil erosion because cattle consume the

grasses and herbs and top soil is exposed.

same situation occurs because of

deforestation, the trees and plants are cut

down to expose top soil which causes soil

erosion

is this a psat question, if so do not cheat try your best.