Which of the following relates to Darwin's finches

Options

A. Convergent evolution
B. Industrial melanism
C. Connecting link
D. Adaptive radiation

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Darwin's Finches**:
- Charles Darwin studied various species of finches on the Galapagos Islands. He observed that these finches had different beak shapes and sizes, which were adaptations to their specific diets and environments.

2. **Identifying the Mechanism of Evolution**:
- The different varieties of finches evolved from a common ancestor, primarily due to their adaptation to different ecological niches on the islands. This process is known as adaptive radiation.

3. **Defining Adaptive Radiation**:
- Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where organisms diversify rapidly into a variety of forms to adapt to different environments. In the case of Darwin's finches, the original seed-eating finch evolved into multiple species that adapted to eating fruits, insects, and other food sources.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer to the question "Which of the following relates to Darwin's finches?" is **adaptive radiation**. This is because the finches exemplify how species can evolve from a common ancestor into various forms through adaptation to different environmental pressures.