Question

Select the correct option which matches the organism with its food habitat.

A. The ground finches - Seed crushers
B. Vegetarian tree finches - Leaves, buds and fruit feeder
C. Warbler finch - Nectar feeder
D. Cactus finch - Insectivorous

• A. A and B are correct
• B. C and D are correct
• C. A, B and C are correct
• D. A and D are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A A and B are correct

Darwin, during his voyage, reached the Galapagos Islands, situated on the equator, some 900 km west of Ecuador. He found a group of small black birds with modified beaks in the islands which shows adaptive radiation. These are called Darwin's finches, assumed to have originated from a common seed eating ancestor.

Adaptive radiation is the formation of new species from a common ancestor by adapting to a specialized mode of life due to different geographical habitat.

The common types of Darwin’s finches are as follows:

• The ground finches have more strong beaks to crush seeds. So, A is correct as they are commonly called the seed crushers.
• Vegetarian tree finches have a short, thick, parrot-like beak to feed upon the leaves, buds and fruits. So, B is correct.
• Warbler finch has a slender warbler-like beak to feed insects (insectivorous). So, C is wrong.
• Cactus ground finches have a long, curved beak and a split tongue to feed the nectar and soft pulp of the cactus. So, D is wrong.
• Insectivorous tree finches have a short and thick beak to feed upon beetles and other insects.
• Woodpecker finches have a stout, straight and long beak to bore into a wood to catch the insects.