Final answer:
Darwin observed species of organisms with distinct differences on the Galápagos Islands, including finches with unique beak shapes. These observations supported the idea of branching descent and natural selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the mechanism for evolution through natural selection. During his expedition to the Galápagos Islands, Darwin observed species of organisms, including finches, that were similar yet had distinct differences. He noticed that different finch species had unique beak shapes that helped them acquire specific types of food. These observations led Darwin to imagine that the island species might be modified from one original mainland species, supporting the idea of branching descent and natural selection.