There are several species of Galapagos finches, also known as Darwin's finches. Data was collected concerning Galapagos bird beak size over time. Two finch species shared the same habitats, habits, and traits except for one: they had differently shaped and sized beaks. How did this difference lead to peaceful coexistence from 1968 through 1976?

A. Variation in beak size means that some finches will survive and others will not.

B. The genetic variation in beak size led to a separation of the species to varied habitats, eating different foods.

C. The larger-beaked birds served as a protector for the smaller-beaked birds, and they were able to survive together.

D. Because of the genetic variation in beaks, the finches ate different food and were able to coexist in the same habitat.

Question

13-05-2025
Biology

College

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There are several species of Galapagos finches, also known as Darwin's finches. Data was collected concerning Galapagos bird beak size over time. Two finch species shared the same habitats, habits, and traits except for one: they had differently shaped and sized beaks. How did this difference lead to peaceful coexistence from 1968 through 1976?

A. Variation in beak size means that some finches will survive and others will not.

B. The genetic variation in beak size led to a separation of the species to varied habitats, eating different foods.

C. The larger-beaked birds served as a protector for the smaller-beaked birds, and they were able to survive together.

D. Because of the genetic variation in beaks, the finches ate different food and were able to coexist in the same habitat.

Answer :

Final answer:

The variation in Galapagos finches' beak sizes allowed different species to specialize in different food sources, promoting niche differentiation. This resource partitioning enabled the species to coexist peacefully in the same habitat from 1968 through 1976. Their adaptations illustrate principles of natural selection and evolution.

Explanation:

Coexistence of Galapagos Finches

The coexistence of different finch species in the Galapagos is a classic example of adaptive radiation and niche differentiation. These finches exhibited variations in their beak sizes, influenced by genetic variations, which allowed them to exploit different food sources despite sharing the same habitat.

The differences in beak shape and size meant that each species could specialize in eating different types of food. For example, larger beaks were better suited for cracking tough seeds, while smaller beaks were more effective for accessing softer, smaller seeds or insects. This behavior led to a form of resource partitioning, where the finches utilized the same environmental space without competing directly for the same food source, thus leading to peaceful coexistence.

Conclusion

As a result, the variation in beak size not only ensured survival among the species but also maintained biodiversity in their habitat. Because of these differences, two finch species could live together in the same areas without directly competing, demonstrating the role of natural selection and adaptation in evolutionary biology.

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