Four species of finch arrive on a newly formed Galapagos island which is covered with cacti growing in loose, dry sand. The cacti have honey-filled flowers and tiny seeds. The theory of evolution by natural selection would probably predict that would most succesfully survive, because _____.

Question

Four species of finch arrive on a newly formed Galapagos island which is covered with cacti growing in loose, dry sand. The cacti have honey-filled flowers and tiny seeds. The theory of evolution by natural selection would probably predict that would most succesfully survive, because _____.

Responses

AGeospiza magnirostris; its large size makes it the fittest.
Geospiza magnirostris; its large size makes it the fittest.
BGeospiza fortis; it will probably be able to dig up worms with its bill.
Geospiza fortis; it will probably be able to dig up worms with its bill.
CCerthidia oliveacea; its tiny pointed bill is the best adapted to sip nectar.
Certhidia oliveacea; its tiny pointed bill is the best adapted to sip nectar.
DGeospiza parvula; animals with intermediate traits tend to have higher survival rates in new places.

one answer

Answer 1

B) Geospiza fortis; it will probably be able to dig up worms with its bill. The cacti on the island have tiny seeds, which Geospiza fortis can feed on by using its specialized bill to dig them up from the sand. This trait would give Geospiza fortis an advantage in surviving and reproducing on the island.