Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
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 6m
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

1. Introduction to Biology

Natural Selection and Evolution

General Biology

1. Introduction to Biology

Natural Selection and Evolution

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Multiple Choice

During his visit to the Galápagos Islands, Charles Darwin found that each island was home to different species of finch, but not all islands had the same species. What does this observation best support?

All species remain unchanged regardless of their environment.

Natural selection does not influence the evolution of island species.

Species adapt to their specific environments through natural selection.

Finches on all islands had identical beak shapes and diets.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Charles Darwin's observations on the Galápagos Islands were foundational to the theory of evolution by natural selection. He noticed that finches on different islands had variations in traits, such as beak shape, which were suited to their specific environments.

Analyze the options: The first option ('All species remain unchanged regardless of their environment') contradicts Darwin's findings, as he observed changes in species based on environmental factors. The second option ('Natural selection does not influence the evolution of island species') is also incorrect because natural selection is a key mechanism driving these adaptations.

Focus on the correct concept: The third option ('Species adapt to their specific environments through natural selection') aligns with Darwin's observations. Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction in a given environment, leading to adaptations over generations.

Evaluate the evidence: Darwin observed that finches on different islands had different beak shapes and diets, which were adaptations to the food sources available on their respective islands. This supports the idea that species evolve in response to environmental pressures.

Conclude: The observation that finches had different traits on different islands best supports the concept that species adapt to their specific environments through natural selection, as this explains the diversity of traits observed in the finches.