Question

The ostrich, emu, and rhea are all large flightless birds which are found widely dispersed geographically. Molecular evidence shows that they shared a common ancestor prior to the development of the continents they now occupy. Scientists hypothesize that once Gondwana (an ancient land mass) separated into what are now Africa, Australia, and South America, the resulting geographic isolation led to the three modern day species. This example would contribute to whose theory of evolution?

Darwin
Cuvier
Lamarck
Lyell

Answer 1

The case of flightless birds such as the ostrich, emu, and rhea becoming geographically isolated and evolving into distinct species supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, specifically the concept of allopatric speciation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example of the ostrich, emu, and rhea, which are all large flightless birds that became geographically isolated following the breakup of the ancient landmass Gondwana, contributes to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. This process is known as allopatric speciation and is based on the principles that related species share a common ancestor and that species change over time. Darwin's studies, such as those of different species on the Galápagos Islands, led him to the conclusion that geographical separation could lead to the development of separate species, supporting the concept of evolution by natural selection.

Answer 2

The example of the ostrich, emu, and rhea diverging into separate species due to geographical separation after the breakup of Gondwana supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case of the ostrich, emu, and rhea, who are large flightless birds found on different continents, yet sharing a common ancestor, supports Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. According to Darwin's concept of allopatric speciation, when a group of animals is geographically separated, they can evolve into distinct species over time due to the lack of gene flow between the populations. With the breakup of the ancient landmass Gondwana, the ancestors of these birds were isolated on the newly formed continents of Africa, Australia, and South America, leading to the evolutionary divergence that resulted in the species we see today.