Question

Why is the beak a good diagnostic character to use in differentiating the finches?

A. Beak shape is consistent among all finch species.
B. Beak morphology varies significantly among finch species.
C. Beak color is the primary diagnostic character for finches.
D. Beak size is unrelated to finch species differentiation.

Answer 1

B; Beak morphology varies significantly among finch species.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Darwin's finch study in the Galápagos, he found that depending on what the finches fed on as they evolved, their beaks corresponded to such.

Answer 2

The beak is a good diagnostic character for differentiating finch species because beak morphology varies significantly among the species, adapted to their specific diets and habitats.

Step-by-step explanation:

Why is the beak a good diagnostic character to use in differentiating the finches? The best answer is B. Beak morphology varies significantly among finch species. Charles Darwin observed that the shape of the finch beaks was highly variable and closely related to the specific diet and habitat of each species, indicating that the beaks had evolved through natural selection to equip the finches for the acquisition of different food sources. For example, finches that eat seeds have thicker, stronger beaks suitable for breaking hard nuts, while nectar-eating birds have long beaks to access nectar deep within flowers. Such distinct beak forms make it a reliable characteristic to differentiate between finch species, as it reflects the evolutionary adaptations to their ecological niches.