In 1831, Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands. While observing the giant land tortoises that lived on these islands, Darwin noted that the shape of the tortoise shell varied depending on which island the tortoise lived. Tortoises on one island had round shells, for example, whereas tortoises on a neighboring island had more flattened, saddle-shaped shells. Which statement BEST summarizes Darwin's explanation for these differences?
Responses
A Random food changes caused the shape of the shells to fluctuate periodically.Random food changes caused the shape of the shells to fluctuate periodically.
B The shape of the tortoise shell varied because the predators on the islands were all similar.The shape of the tortoise shell varied because the predators on the islands were all similar.
C The particular shape of the shell was best suited for the island on which the tortoise was living.The particular shape of the shell was best suited for the island on which the tortoise was living.
D Tortoises who used their shells in special ways caused the shells to become larger, rounder, or flatter.