Author Question: How would Darwin explain the origin of over a dozen different species of finches on the Galapagos ... (Read 46 times)

tfester

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 534
How would Darwin explain the origin of over a dozen different species of finches on the Galapagos Islands, when it was thought that only one species was the original parent species for all?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

In which situation would you expect to be closest to peak load?
 
  A) on a windy day
  B) on a cool, sunny day
  C) on an extremely hot day
  D) in the middle of a spring night
  E) Peak load is always the same, regardless of time or weather.


ngr69

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 318
Answer to Question 1

At the heart of Darwin's explanation is his theory of natural selection, which states that within any species there is a natural variation for any given trait (in this case, beak size and shape). Once the parent species began to populate the various islands in the Galapagos, there were different selective forces at work on the finches because each island had slightly different physical parameters (for example, different temperatures and precipitation resulting in different vegetation). In the process of natural selection, individuals in a population that are most fit for that particular condition survive and leave more offspring, causing their adaptations to become more common in the population. Therefore, on the more desert/dry islands where smaller seeds were prevalent, finches that had smaller beaks were better suited and flourished. After several generations, the population on this island became mostly small-beaked finches. On one island, a species of finch actually evolved to use small sticks or cactus spines to prod insects from crevices and holes in trees, as there were very few seeds on this island.

Answer to Question 2

C



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

The average older adult in the United States takes five prescription drugs per day. Half of these drugs contain a sedative. Alcohol should therefore be avoided by most senior citizens because of the dangerous interactions between alcohol and sedatives.

Did you know?

Carbamazepine can interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. If you are taking carbamazepine, do not try to test for pregnancy at home.

Did you know?

Though methadone is often used to treat dependency on other opioids, the drug itself can be abused. Crushing or snorting methadone can achieve the opiate "rush" desired by addicts. Improper use such as these can lead to a dangerous dependency on methadone. This drug now accounts for nearly one-third of opioid-related deaths.

Did you know?

In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.

Did you know?

Not getting enough sleep can greatly weaken the immune system. Lack of sleep makes you more likely to catch a cold, or more difficult to fight off an infection.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library