Question

Darwin found that many different species of finches were found on the Galapagos Islands and nowhere else. The finches were related to a species found on the mainland of South America. From this he concluded:

Answer 1

Charles Darwin concluded from his study of Galápagos finches that they had evolved from a common ancestor through natural selection, with diversified beak shapes adapted to different food sources on various islands, forming the basis of his theory of natural selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Charles Darwin's observations of finches on the Galápagos Islands led him to conclude that they likely shared a common ancestor. The birds on each island demonstrated distinct beak shapes and sizes adapted to different sources of food.

Large, strong beaks were suited for breaking seeds, while spear-like beaks were ideal for catching insects. Darwin concluded that the finches had diversified from an original species through a process of natural selection, leading to the various forms that were finely adapted to different environments on the islands.

This discovery was crucial in formulating his theory of natural selection, a cornerstone of evolutionary biology.

Darwin's insights arose through meticulous observation, noting that despite their similarities, the finches on each island were uniquely adapted to their local conditions, suggesting that species change over time in response to their environment.

This pattern mirrored the environmental differences between the Galápagos and nearby mainland habitats. Consequently, Darwin believed that these birds had evolved from a single species that had arrived from the mainland, supporting the idea of adaptive radiation.