During an El Niño event in the Galapagos Islands, there was high rainfall, making more soft seeds available than ever before. Years after this event, biologists noticed that the beak sizes in a finch species were smaller than in previous generations. From this data, which conclusion would biologists MOST likely reach?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The bird species with smaller beaks underproduced because of rainfall.

The bird species with smaller beaks underproduced because of rainfall.

The bird species with longer beaks overproduced because of rainfall.

The bird species with longer beaks overproduced because of rainfall.

The phenotype for a smaller beak was passed on because it was favorable.

The phenotype for a smaller beak was passed on because it was favorable.

The phenotype for a longer beak was passed on because it was favorable.

Answer 1

The conclusion that biologists would MOST likely reach is:

The phenotype for a smaller beak was passed on because it was favorable.

During the El Niño event, the increased availability of soft seeds would make it easier for finches with smaller beaks to access food. This could lead to higher survival and reproductive success for individuals with smaller beaks, resulting in the passing of this trait to future generations.