Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 40m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 12m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

21. Evolution

Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection

General Biology

21. Evolution

Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with General Biology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

What was significant to Darwin about the fauna and flora of the Galápagos Islands?

All species on the islands were identical to those on nearby islands.

The islands had no unique species and were biologically unremarkable.

The islands contained only species that were also found in Europe.

The species on the islands were similar to, but distinct from, those on the South American mainland.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of Darwin's observations: Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. He was particularly interested in the unique biodiversity of the islands and how it related to species found elsewhere.

Recognize the significance of the Galápagos Islands: The islands are geographically isolated, which allowed species to evolve independently over time. This isolation is key to understanding why the fauna and flora were similar to, but distinct from, those on the South American mainland.

Examine the concept of adaptation: Darwin observed that species on the Galápagos Islands had traits that were well-suited to their specific environments. For example, finches had different beak shapes depending on the type of food available on their respective islands.

Connect the observations to the theory of natural selection: Darwin hypothesized that the differences between species on the islands and those on the mainland were due to gradual changes over generations, driven by environmental pressures and the survival of individuals with advantageous traits.

Conclude the significance: Darwin's observations of the Galápagos fauna and flora provided key evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection, highlighting how species can diverge from a common ancestor when exposed to different environmental conditions.