The diversity in the type of beaks of finches adapted to different feeding habits on the galapagos islands, as observed by Darwin provides evidence for

Options

A. Intraspecific competition
B. Interspecific competition
C. Origin of species by natural selection
D. Intraspecific variations.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Observation of Finches by Darwin**: Charles Darwin observed various species of finches on the Galapagos Islands during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. He noted that these finches had different types of beaks.

2. **Diversity of Beaks**: The finches exhibited a diversity in the size and shape of their beaks. This variation was closely linked to their feeding habits, as different beak shapes allowed them to exploit different food sources available on the islands.

3. **Adaptation to Ecological Niches**: Darwin concluded that these differences in beak morphology were a result of adaptation to the specific ecological niches available on the islands. When the finches arrived on the Galapagos Islands, they found unoccupied ecological niches, which allowed them to adapt without competition.

4. **Absence of Predators and Competition**: The absence of predators and competition in these new environments facilitated the finches' ability to adapt and evolve. This led to the development of distinct species, each adapted to their specific feeding habits and ecological roles.

5. **Natural Selection and Speciation**: The process of adaptation and the evolution of different beak types among the finches provided evidence for Darwin's theory of natural selection. This theory posits that species evolve over time through the survival and reproduction of individuals best suited to their environment.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the diversity in the type of beaks of finches observed by Darwin on the Galapagos Islands serves as evidence for the "origin of species by natural selection."

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