Natural selection leads to the evolution in organisms. Select an example of an organism that has evolved. In 3–5 sentences, construct an argument for this claim, making sure to explain how the four parts of the process contribute to natural selection. You may use any organism with the exception of bacteria.(4 points)

1 answer

An excellent example of evolution through natural selection is the Galápagos finches, which Charles Darwin famously studied. These birds exhibit variations in beak size and shape, which are crucial adaptations for feeding on different types of seeds and insects available on the islands. In the context of natural selection, the four key components—variation, competition, differential survival, and reproduction—are evident. First, there are variations in beak traits among the finches. These variations lead to competition for food during times of scarcity, where individuals with beak shapes better suited for accessing available food sources are more likely to survive. Consequently, these favorable traits are passed on to the next generation, leading to a gradual evolution of beak size and shape that aligns with the changes in their ecosystem.