Questions and Answers
What is one possible reason that diverse species could be affected by the HMGA2 gene?
State one possible reason the medium ground finches with a smaller beak were able to survive during the 2004-2005 drought.
Medium ground finches with a smaller beak had less competition for food than the medium ground finches with a larger beak.
Which type of food would a student with forceps (tweezers) likely pick up most easily: small seeds or large seeds?
Small seeds.
Through what process did a variety of species of Galapagos finches evolve from one original species?
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Identify one biotic factor that can affect the survival of a finch population in the Galapagos Islands.
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What factor most often acts as a selecting agent for the survival of a species in a particular location?
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How can species A and species B of finch survive on the same small island?
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Which factor most likely contributed to the evolution of Galapagos Islands finches with different beak shapes?
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Study Notes
HMGA2 Gene and Beak Size
- Research in the Galapagos Islands identified the HMGA2 gene, linked to beak size in Darwin's finches.
- Medium ground finches with smaller beaks survived a severe drought (2004-2005), leading to a decrease in average beak size.
- Changes in HMGA2 gene frequency directly influenced this adaptation.
- HMGA2 gene also affects body size in various species, indicating a shared evolutionary ancestor.
Survival Advantage during Drought
- Medium ground finches with smaller beaks faced less competition for food during the drought.
- Smaller beaks were more efficient for obtaining remaining seeds, showcasing better adaptation to the available food source.
Beak Size Experiment
- In a lab exercise using forceps, small seeds would be easier to pick up due to the tweezers' design.
- Tweezers' small prongs could grip small seeds but struggled with larger seeds.
Evolution of Finch Species
- Galapagos finches evolved from a single ancestral species through the process of natural selection.
Biotic Factors Impacting Finch Survival
- Key biotic factors affecting survival include:
- Food availability
- Presence of predators
- Competition among individuals
- Availability of mates
- Threats from pathogens or diseases
Environmental Selection
- The environment plays a crucial role in species survival on small islands, acting as a primary selecting agent.
Resource Utilization and Coexistence
- Species A (eating large seeds) and Species B (eating small insects) coexist by utilizing different resources, reducing competition.
Evolutionary Pressures
- Competition for food has been a significant factor driving the evolution of varied beak shapes among finches in the Galapagos Islands.
Eating Habits of Medium Ground Finches
- Medium ground finches prefer small seeds over large seeds, illustrating dietary preferences that influence beak size evolution.
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Description
Explore the fascinating study of Darwin's finches and their adaptive traits in response to environmental changes. This quiz delves into the genetic factors, especially the HMGA2 gene, that influence beak size and survival during droughts. Test your knowledge and understanding of natural selection and evolutionary biology.
