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

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

Answer 1

Scientists observe the frequency of the different forms of the gene and how it changes in response to the environment. This demonstrates natural selection in Darwin's finches because the variations in the HMGA2 gene that lead to different traits (such as beak size and shape) are influenced by environmental factors such as food availability. Over time, individuals with certain forms of the gene that are better suited to their environment will be more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations. This process of differential survival and reproduction is a key mechanism of natural selection.