Author Question: How would Darwin explain the origin of over a dozen different species of finches on the Galapagos ... (Read 410 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?

Stroke kills people from all ethnic backgrounds, but the people at highest risk for fatal strokes are: black men, black women, Asian men, white men, and white women.

Did you know?

Alzheimer's disease affects only about 10% of people older than 65 years of age. Most forms of decreased mental function and dementia are caused by disuse (letting the mind get lazy).

Did you know?

Anti-aging claims should not ever be believed. There is no supplement, medication, or any other substance that has been proven to slow or stop the aging process.

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

In the United States, an estimated 50 million unnecessary antibiotics are prescribed for viral respiratory infections.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library