Author Question: How would Darwin explain the origin of over a dozen different species of finches on the Galapagos ... (Read 629 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?

Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.

Did you know?

Medication errors are three times higher among children and infants than with adults.

Did you know?

Looking at the sun may not only cause headache and distort your vision temporarily, but it can also cause permanent eye damage. Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cumulative effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on your eyes. UV exposure has been linked to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies.

Did you know?

Colchicine is a highly poisonous alkaloid originally extracted from a type of saffron plant that is used mainly to treat gout.

Did you know?

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer often complain of a lack of mental focus; memory loss; and a general diminution in abilities such as multitasking, attention span, and general mental agility.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library