Multiple Choice
Which statement accurately describes Darwin's experience on the HMS Beagle?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Natural Selection and Evolution
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What observations did Darwin make about the tortoises of the Galapagos Islands that contributed to his theory of natural selection?
A
The tortoises were the only animals on the islands, indicating isolation.
B
The tortoises had different shell shapes depending on the island they inhabited.
C
The tortoises were able to fly between islands, leading to genetic mixing.
D
The tortoises were all identical across the islands, showing no variation.
Verified step by step guidance1
Darwin observed that the tortoises on different Galapagos Islands had distinct shell shapes, which suggested adaptation to their specific environments.
He noted that these variations in shell shape were correlated with the type of vegetation available on each island, indicating a relationship between physical traits and environmental conditions.
This observation led Darwin to consider how such differences could arise over time through a process of natural selection, where advantageous traits become more common in a population.
Darwin's observations of the tortoises supported the idea that species are not fixed and can change over time in response to environmental pressures.
These insights contributed to the development of his theory of natural selection, which posits that individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
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