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 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 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 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

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 demonstrates that natural selection occurred in Darwin's finches, as changes in gene frequency in response to environmental pressures (like food availability or habitat changes) indicate that certain traits conferred survival advantages or disadvantages, which is a key concept in natural selection.