Several species of finch live on the Galapagos Islands. They are very similar in appearance, but have adapted beaks of different sizes and shapes based on their major food source. Finches with large beaks eat mainly large seeds and cacti. Finches with small beaks eat mainly small seeds and insects.

Question

Which of the following best explains the variety of beaks found in finches on the Galapagos Islands?
A.
Evolution through natural selection can increase the species diversity of an ecosystem.
B.
Biological evolution only affects the species diversity of plants in an ecosystem.
C.
Evolution through natural selection always causes a decrease in the species diversity of an ecosystem.
D.
Biological evolution does not have any effect on the species diversity of an ecosystem.

Answer 1

A. Evolution through natural selection can increase the species diversity of an ecosystem.

This explanation aligns with the idea that the different beak sizes and shapes in the finches have evolved over time in response to their specific food sources, leading to greater diversity within the species.