Question

Choose the correct answers from the alternatives given .
Which of the following contributed to evolution of the several species of finches on the Galapagos islands ?

• A. Natural selection
• B. Adaptive radiation
• C. Competition
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of these

Darwin's finches 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 so that they could avoid competing with each other.

Evolution of Darwin's finches is a result of natural selection. As only those individuals survived and passed on their trait (enabling the evolution of such different species) which were best suited for their habitat while those who were not, eventually got extinct.

So, the correct option is 'All of these'.