Natural Selection and Finch Beak Size

Hard Biology Evolution

The theory of evolution by natural selection is one of the core concepts in biology. It describes the process by which species adapt over time through variations in traits that confer advantages in survival and reproduction. In this context, consider the following scenario:

A population of finches inhabiting a remote island experiences a significant drought that leads to a shift in available food resources from small seeds to larger, harder seeds. Over subsequent generations, the average beak size of the finches increases.

Which of the following best explains how natural selection has contributed to the changes in beak size within this finch population?

The increase in beak size is a result of random mutations that appeared immediately after the drought.

Finches with larger beaks had a higher survival rate and were more likely to reproduce during the drought.

The change in beak size was due to the finches learning to crack open larger seeds over their lifetime.

Beak size increased due to the influx of larger beaked finches from other islands.

Hint

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