Identifying genes like HMGA2 is important, because it is evidence of natural selection. How does it demonstrate that natural selection occurred in Darwin’s finches?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Scientists observe the frequency of the different forms of the gene and how it changes in response to the environment.
Scientists observe the frequency of the different forms of the gene and how it changes in response to the environment.

Scientists mutate and modify the gene in the lab to see how changes might occur to the organism.
Scientists mutate and modify the gene in the lab to see how changes might occur to the organism.

Scientists identify different forms of the gene in individuals from the same species and observe how it shows up as a trait.
Scientists identify different forms of the gene in individuals from the same species and observe how it shows up as a trait.

Scientists study similar genes that also impact the same traits to see how they work together and influence one another.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Scientists observe the frequency of the different forms of the gene and how it changes in response to the environment.

This option demonstrates natural selection because it highlights how variations in the gene may confer advantages or disadvantages based on environmental factors. In Darwin's finches, changes in beak size and shape in response to available food sources are a classic example of natural selection, where the frequency of certain gene variations (like those affecting traits) changes over time due to environmental pressures.