Q4. Name the placental mammal that NCERT pairs with each marsupial: (a) numbat, (b) Tasmanian tiger cat, (c) marsupial mole.
(a) Anteater, (b) bobcat, (c) mole (NCERT Figure 6.7, page 118).
Q5. When does NCERT call the result of adaptive radiation convergent evolution?
When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area (representing different habitats) (NCERT pages 117–118), as with the placental mammals that resemble the Australian marsupials. Beyond the NCERT text: biologists require similar features evolved separately in different lineages; several radiations alone are not enough (Wikipedia, “Convergent evolution”, facts in our words).
Q6. Within which area did the Australian marsupials evolve from their ancestral stock?
Within the Australian island continent (NCERT page 117).
Q7. Which Australian marsupials does NCERT Figure 6.7 pair with the lemur and with the mouse?
The spotted cuscus with the lemur, and the marsupial mouse with the mouse (NCERT Figure 6.7, page 118).