How are the Hawaiian honeycreepers an example of adaptive radiation? There were a large variety of honeycreepers that first inhabited the island. They found many different niches, so they were all able to survive.

The honeycreepers that first inhabited the island were able to adapt as the island changed, so that population of birds was able to survive.

There was a diversification of honeycreepers (each with different beak shapes) to help fill various ecological niches.