Question

Several species of finch live on the Galapagos Islands. They are very similar in appearance, but have adapted beaks of different sizes and shapes based on their major food source. Finches with large beaks eat mainly large seeds and cacti. Finches with small beaks eat mainly small seeds and insects. Which of the following best explains the variety of beaks found in finches on the Galapagos Islands? A. Evolution through natural selection always causes a decrease in the species diversity of an ecosystem. B. Biological evolution does not have any effect on the species diversity of an ecosystem. C. Biological evolution only affects the species diversity of plants in an ecosystem. D. Evolution through natural selection can increase the species diversity of an ecosystem

Answer 1

D is the correct answer

Step-by-step explanation:

Evolution by natural selection can only act on traits initially present. In the common ancestor, there would have been one beak, but in the offspring, there would have been variation in beak size and shape. As natural selection acts on that variation, different species end up with traits adapted to different conditions, thus increasing the species diversity.