Question

Choose the correct answers from the alternatives given .
All the finches on the Galapagos islands

• A. Are descended from a common ancestor and therefore related
• B. Rarely compete for the same food source
• C. Are unrelated but descended from a common ancestor
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both (a) and (b)

Finches of the Galapagos islands are also known as Darwin's finches. They are a classic example of adaptive radiation. Their common ancestor arrived on the Galapagos about two million years ago. During the time that has passed Darwin's finches have evolved into 15 recognized species differing in body size, beak shape, song and feeding behavior. Changes in the size and form of the beak have enabled different species to utilize different food resources such as insects, seeds, nectar from cactus flowers as well as blood from iguanas, hence they rarely compete for the same food.

So, the correct option is 'Both (a) and (b).'