AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -What are Darwin’s Finches? Charles Darwin observed a group of small sparrow-like black birds with strong, short beaks that are known today as Darwin’s finches. These finches varied on different islands, but they were closely related to one another.

Detailed explanation-2: -Darwin observed the Galapagos finches had a graded series of beak sizes and shapes and predicted these species were modified from one original mainland species.

Detailed explanation-3: -His discoveries included four different species of giant ground sloth (some of the largest land mammals ever to have lived), a gomphothere and the remains of an extinct horse. Many of Darwin’s fossils survive, at the Museum and elsewhere.

Detailed explanation-4: -Eventually Darwin theorized that different species of finch had evolved on different islands, their distinctive beaks being an adaptation to distinct natural habitats or environmental niches. The woodpecker finch is one of the only birds to use tools to help him find food.

Detailed explanation-5: -The study of Darwin’s finches began in 1835 when they were first collected by an expedition of the HMS Beagle that included young Charles Darwin.