Question

Who developed his theory of evolution by natural selection based largely on
observations he made on the Galapagos Islands?
A. Thomas Malthus
B. Gregor Mendel
C. Wilhelm Weinberg
D. Charles Darwin

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Charles Darwin

Explanation:

The theory of evolution explains the changes that organisms go through in order to survive. This theory was developed by Charles Darwin.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos are known for their biodiversity. Additionally, the islands are isolated from each other. This means that the organisms on different islands were able to develop independently from each other.

Two important species on the Galapagos include the Galapagos tortoise and the Finch.

• The Galapagos tortoise was studied by Charles Darwin. He noted that despite the fact the tortoises were the same species, the tortoises on different islands had different shell shapes.
• Darwin also studied Finches across the islands. Similar to the tortoises he saw that the beak sizes of the same species differed depending on the island.

Evolution

Based on the differences between the organisms, Darwin concluded that over time the organism must have changed their physical traits to survive better. For example, on islands with a lot of hard seeds, the finches would have stronger beaks so that they could access more food.

Evolution occurs through natural selection. Natural selection is when organisms that have traits better suited to their environment reproduce more. Thus, spreading these traits into the gene pool.

So, the differences in the organisms on different islands show how animals can change their traits to adapt to their environments.