Darwin noticed differences in the beak shapes of finches on the various islands of the Galapagos and surmised that they all might have evolved from a common ancestor on the mainland. If Darwin had known about molecular biology, a field of study that did not exist at the time he lived, how might he have used it to test his hypothesis?
He could have done DNA tests on the birds to see how closely they were related.
He could have checked to see if they shared similar cellular structures indicating their common ancestry.
He could have used modern tools to make more accurate measurements of beak shape and size.
He could have genetically engineered finches with extreme beak shapes to see how they survived.
Correct rephrased answer:
If Darwin had known about molecular biology, he could have used it to test his hypothesis by conducting DNA tests on the finches to determine their genetic relatedness. This would have provided concrete evidence of their common ancestry. Additionally, he could have analyzed the genetic sequences of the birds to identify any mutations or variations that may have contributed to the differences in beak shapes. By comparing the cellular structures or proteins of the finches, he could have also supported his hypothesis of a shared origin. Furthermore, modern tools could have been utilized to accurately measure beak shape and size, providing more quantitative data for analysis. It is highly unlikely that he would have genetically engineered finches to experiment with extreme beak shapes, as this approach was beyond the technological capabilities of the time and also goes against the principles of ethical scientific research.