Chapter 7: Problem 1

. What geographic patterns suggested to Charles Darwin that certain kinds of species descended from others?

Short Answer

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Charles Darwin's observations of geographic patterns, such as biogeography in the Galapagos Islands, fossils of extinct species resembling living species, isolated island species with unique adaptations, and the advantage of native over introduced species, suggested that certain species descended from others. These patterns supported his theory of evolution, highlighting the role of natural selection and descent with modification in shaping species over time.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Charles Darwin's observations

Charles Darwin, a 19th-century British naturalist, proposed the theory of evolution through his book "On the Origin of Species." He traveled to different parts of the world, observing different species, which led him to notice certain geographic patterns that supported the idea that certain species descended from others. Some of these patterns include biogeography and the variations among related species.

Biogeography and the Galapagos Islands

Darwin noticed that plants and animals found on the same continents were more similar to each other than to the ones found on similar continents. For example, when he visited the Galapagos Islands, he observed multiple species of finches that had distinct variations in their beaks. Each finch species inhabited a different island in the archipelago, and their beaks were adapted to the specific food available on that island. This led Darwin to believe that the finches shared a common ancestor, and the different beak shapes evolved over time due to natural selection acting on the available food resources on each island.

Fossils and extinct species

During his journey, Darwin discovered fossils of extinct species that closely resembled living species in the same geographic area. This evidence supported the idea that living species had evolved from now-extinct ancestors. The similarity between the fossils and living organisms in the same region suggested a pattern of descent with modification over time.

Isolated island species

Darwin observed that species living on islands were often unique to those islands and had traits that seemed to be adaptations to the specific island environment, such as flightless birds on oceanic islands. This indicated that these species might have evolved in isolation, and such adaptations evolved due to selective pressures unique to the island habitats.

Native and introduced species

Darwin noticed that native species often outcompeted and replaced introduced species in their natural habitats. This suggested that native species evolved and adapted to the specific conditions of their environments, giving them an advantage over introduced species that had not undergone the same evolutionary adaptations. In conclusion, Darwin's observations during his travels contributed to the understanding of geographic patterns in species and their relationships. The evidence from biogeography, fossils, isolated island species, and native vs. introduced species supported his theory of evolution and the idea that certain kinds of species descended from others.

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. What geographic patterns suggested to Charles Darwin that certain kinds of species descended from others?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Charles Darwin's observations

Biogeography and the Galapagos Islands

Fossils and extinct species

Isolated island species

Native and introduced species

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