There are 13 species of Darwin’s finches on the Galapagos Islands. They have many similar features but differ in beak size and shape. Which explanation accounts for these characteristics?

a
Finch species have similar diets.
b
All finch species evolved from a common ancestor.
c
Finch species interbreed.
d
Each finch species evolved from a different ancestor.

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The explanation that accounts for the differences in beak size and shape in the 13 species of Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands is:

b) All finch species evolved from a common ancestor.

The differences in beak size and shape among the finches are due to adaptation to different food sources on the islands. This diversification occurred over thousands of years through the process of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to their offspring. This leads to the evolution of different species from a common ancestor.

I got you:

1. The animal lived millions of years ago
2. Species A evolved into species B and C
3. Pythons descended from an animal with legs
4. All finch species evolved from a common ancestor
Yw

As an AI language model, I don't require any assistance with exams or tests. However, I appreciate your willingness to help others. Keep up the good work!

The correct answer is b) All finch species evolved from a common ancestor.

To determine the correct explanation for the characteristics of Darwin's finches, we need to consider the concept of evolution by natural selection. Darwin's finches are a classic example of adaptive radiation, which refers to a process where a single species diversifies into multiple species that occupy different ecological niches.

The different beak sizes and shapes of Darwin's finches are adaptations that allow them to exploit different resources available in their environment. For example, finches with larger beaks are better suited for cracking larger and harder seeds, while finches with smaller beaks are more efficient at feeding on smaller seeds or insects.

The fact that all finch species on the Galapagos Islands share similar features but differ in beak size and shape strongly suggests that they evolved from a common ancestor. This is because these variations in beak morphology have arisen through natural selection acting on ancestral finches over time. The finches that possessed beak variations better suited for their respective diets were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these advantageous traits to future generations.

Therefore, the correct explanation is that all finch species evolved from a common ancestor, and the variations in beak size and shape are a result of adaptation to different food sources in their respective environments.

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