When evolution occurred on the Galápagos Islands,the finch beaks
A)of individual birds in the population changed size and shape between the time of fledging the nest and adulthood due to the environmental stress induced by drought.
B)varied in size across the population and sometimes conferred benefits in feeding,survivorship,and reproduction that were passed down to surviving offspring.
C)had corresponding genetic codes in the DNA that were modified or mutated by individuals when attempting to survive the stressful environment of the drought.
D)changed in size and depth only during the lifetime of the fittest birds able to survive the drought.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The variation in size and shape of finch beaks on the Galápagos Islands is a result of natural selection. Finches with beaks that were better suited to their particular environment (such as a larger, stronger beak for cracking tough seeds or a smaller, more pointed beak for catching insects) were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this led to the evolution of different beak shapes and sizes across the island's finch population.

When Evolution Occurred on the Galápagos Islands,the Finch Beaks