Chapter 7, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The geographic patterns observed by Charles Darwin that indicate the origin of certain species from their descendants.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The difference in pattern and sizes of beaks of finches on the Galápagos Islands and the variation in the size as well as the pattern of shell of tortoise present in different regions of Galapagos islands suggested Darwin that some organisms descend from others.

Explanation of Solution

The process of natural selection is the key to the evolution of a certain type of species into the more advanced forms. The most prominent example of the evolution if one type of species into another is observed in Darwin’s finches that inhabit the Galápagos island. These birds have evolved based on their feeding habits. The morphology of the beak of the birds changed due to the food that they feed on and also due to reproductive isolation.

The tortoise inhabiting the humid climate of the islands are larger in size and have domed shells with shorter necks, while in the areas where the climate is drier the tortoises are small with saddleback shels and long necks. This implies the change in the morphology of the organsisms is based on the environment they are living in. thus, such animals may differ in their appearnace but share common ancestry.