Many new species of desert lizards have arisen from a nonnative population which was introduced into the American southwest. This example best describes:

A) the effects of climatic change.
B) sympatric speciation.
C) allopatric speciation.
D) adaptive radiation.
E) microevolution.

Adaptive Radiation

The evolutionary process by which organisms diversify rapidly into a multitude of new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available, creates new challenges, or opens new environmental niches.

Desert Lizards

Reptiles adapted to the arid conditions of desert environments, often exhibiting behaviors and physiological traits for thermoregulation.

American Southwest

A region in the United States known for its desert landscape, encompassing states like Arizona, New Mexico, parts of California, and others.