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Multiple Choice
Which student made observations that contributed to the understanding of natural selection by studying a community of organisms in the Galápagos Islands?
A
Louis Pasteur
B
Charles Darwin
C
Rosalind Franklin
D
Gregor Mendel
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept was developed based on observations of variation and adaptation in species.
Identify the key figure associated with natural selection: Charles Darwin is the scientist who formulated the theory of natural selection. His work was based on extensive observations and studies of species, particularly during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.
Recall the significance of the Galápagos Islands: Darwin studied finches and other organisms on the Galápagos Islands. He observed variations in traits, such as beak shapes in finches, which were adapted to different food sources on the islands.
Differentiate between the scientists listed: Louis Pasteur is known for his work on germ theory and pasteurization, Rosalind Franklin contributed to the discovery of DNA structure, and Gregor Mendel is the father of genetics. None of these scientists studied natural selection in the Galápagos Islands.
Conclude that Charles Darwin is the correct answer: Based on his observations in the Galápagos Islands, Darwin developed the foundational ideas of natural selection, which are central to evolutionary biology.