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Explain how natural selection resulted in the different beak shapes of these finches - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 4
Explain how natural selection resulted in the different beak shapes of these finches. The diagram shows the beak shapes and the food source of some of these finches... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain how natural selection resulted in the different beak shapes of these finches - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how natural selection resulted in the different beak shapes of these finches.
Answer
Natural selection leads to different beak shapes in finches through a process that involves variation, competition, and survival.
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Variation Among Species: Within finch populations, individuals exhibit variations in beak shape. Some may have shorter, sturdier beaks suited for cracking seeds, while others might have longer, thinner beaks ideal for probing into flowers or bark for insects.
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Survival and Feeding: Depending on the environmental conditions and food availability on the Galapagos Islands, certain beak shapes provide advantages. For instance, during droughts when seeds are larger and tougher, finches with stronger beaks may survive better than those without.
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Reproduction and Adaptation: Those individuals that survive are more likely to reproduce, passing on their favorable traits to the next generation. Over time, this leads to a prevalence of specific beak shapes in finch populations, as these traits provide better suitability to their ecological niche.