How do the tortoises show natural selection?

For example, Darwin observed a population of giant tortoises in the Galápagos Archipelago to have longer necks than those that lived on other islands with dry lowlands. These tortoises were “selected” because they could reach more leaves and access more food than those with short necks.

How are the Galápagos tortoises an example of evolution?

The Galápagos giant tortoise species complex (Chelonoidis nigra) forms an example of an adaptive radiation; a rapid diversification of a lineage when a new food source or ecological niche becomes available.

How do the Galápagos tortoises demonstrate Darwin’s theory of evolution?

Giant Tortoises Darwin noticed that different tortoise species lived on islands with different environments. He realized that the tortoises had traits that allowed them to live in their particular environments. For example, tortoises that ate plants near the ground had rounded shells and shorter necks.

What are the three types of natural selection?

There are three types of natural selection that can occur. Stabilizing selection, directional selection or disruptive selection.

What makes the Galapagos tortoise unique?

Tortoise History in Galapagos One of the giant tortoise’s most amazing adaptations — its ability to survive without food or water for up to a year — was, unfortunately, the indirect cause of its demise.

How do tortoises differ among the Galápagos Islands What causes these differences?

Galapagos tortoises have two very different shapes, each adapted for different feeding habits needed on low, arid islands versus high, lusher islands.

What observations did Darwin notice about the different species finches on the Galápagos Islands?

On the Galapagos Islands, Darwin also saw several different types of finch, a different species on each island. He noticed that each finch species had a different type of beak, depending on the food available on its island. The finches that ate large nuts had strong beaks for breaking the nuts open.

Why are the Galápagos Islands important to the theory of evolution?

The Galapagos Islands are an evolutionary hotspot due to the lack of competition and predators in the islands, as well as their isolated location. This means that animals are able to evolve almost unhindered in order to adapt to their surrounding environment.

What are different types of natural selection?

The 3 Types of Natural Selection

  • Stabilizing Selection.
  • Directional Selection.
  • Disruptive Selection.

How many types of natural selection are there?

Three types
Three types of natural selection, showing the effects of each on the distribution of phenotypes within a population. The downward arrows point to those phenotypes against which selection acts.