Several species of finches, known as Darwin's Finches, are found on the Galapagos Islands. These finches coexist on the islands, sharing similar habits and characteristics, except for one key difference: they all have different shaped and sized beaks. The differences in their beaks might be the most important aspect of their survival.

Notice that for about ten years, the populations of the two different finch species remained pretty stable, largely because the two species had varied food sources. Then, in 1977, there was a huge drop in finches with small beaks, while there was a great increase in large-beaked birds.

How can you explain this?

A. The small-beaked finches became prey for larger animals.
B. The large-beaked birds preyed on the small-beaked birds.

Question

01-02-2024
History

High School

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Several species of finches, known as Darwin's Finches, are found on the Galapagos Islands. These finches coexist on the islands, sharing similar habits and characteristics, except for one key difference: they all have different shaped and sized beaks. The differences in their beaks might be the most important aspect of their survival.

Notice that for about ten years, the populations of the two different finch species remained pretty stable, largely because the two species had varied food sources. Then, in 1977, there was a huge drop in finches with small beaks, while there was a great increase in large-beaked birds.

How can you explain this?

A. The small-beaked finches became prey for larger animals.
B. The large-beaked birds preyed on the small-beaked birds.

Answer :

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TaylorSmith778 TaylorSmith778 · Answer 1 · 2023-11-23T00:32:56-05:00

The drop in populations of small-beaked finches and rise in large-beaked finches after a 1977 drought on the Galapagos Islands is a consequence of natural selection, where only the large-beaked finches could access the remaining tough seeds and survive to reproduce.

The sharp decrease in the population of finches with small beaks and corresponding increase in large-beaked finches on the Galapagos Islands can be explained by natural selection. During a severe drought in 1977, food shortages led to the death of finches with smaller beaks that were unable to crack the tough seeds that remained. Conversely, finches with larger beaks could still access the available food and survived to reproduce, leading to a rise in the population of large-beaked finches. This change in population dynamics is an example of evolution in action, as observed by biologists like Peter and Rosemary Grant, adding to the long-term studies initiated by Charles Darwin.

Darwin postulated that the various beak sizes and shapes seen among different finch species on the Galapagos were adaptations that allowed the finches to exploit different food sources. For instance, strong, thick beaks were suited for breaking open large seeds, while smaller, sharper beaks were useful for smaller seeds or for catching insects. The variation in beak morphology is a result of the finches adapting to their environment and the resources available, demonstrating the principle of survival of the fittest.