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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains the divergence in morphology among bird species?
A
Random genetic drift without any selective pressure
B
Adaptation to different environmental niches through natural selection
C
Uniform mutation rates across all bird populations
D
Direct inheritance of acquired characteristics
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of 'morphology' in biology. Morphology refers to the physical characteristics and structure of organisms, such as the shape of a bird's beak or the size of its wings.
Step 2: Review the principle of natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce, passing on advantageous traits to their offspring.
Step 3: Analyze the role of environmental niches. Different bird species occupy various ecological niches, which are specific roles or habitats in an ecosystem. These niches exert selective pressures that favor certain morphological traits over others.
Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options. Random genetic drift occurs without selective pressure and is unlikely to explain consistent divergence in morphology. Uniform mutation rates do not account for adaptation to specific environments. Direct inheritance of acquired characteristics is not supported by modern genetics.
Step 5: Conclude that the divergence in morphology among bird species is best explained by adaptation to different environmental niches through natural selection, as selective pressures drive the evolution of traits suited to specific ecological roles.