Chapter 15.1, Problem 7MI

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Darwin’s hypothesis on the origin of Galapagos finches by completing the given flow chart.

Introduction: On the Galapagos Islands Darwin studied many species of animals and plants that were unique to the islands but similar to species elsewhere. He collected mockingbirds, finches and other animals on the four islands he visited and noticed that the different islands had their own slightly different varieties of animals. These animals had their unique adaptations.

Answer to Problem 7MI

  

Explanation of Solution

Almost every specimen that Darwin collected on the islands was new to European scientists but they resembled species from mainland South America although the environmental conditions are different in mainland and Galapagos. Island and mainland species may not have resembled each other so closely until and unless they migrated from mainland to Galapagos. After reaching the islands, these finches adapted to the changed environmental conditions. They changed over time and evolved into new species that were entirely different from mainland species.