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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

During a dry season on the Galapagos, only large, tough seeds are available. Finches with larger, deeper beaks are better able to crack these seeds than those with smaller beaks. What do you predict will happen to the average beak depth of the next generation?

A. It will decrease as birds stretch their beaks to make them smaller.
B. It will increase because individuals with larger beaks survive better and pass on their genes.
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C. It will remain unchanged because beak size is entirely determined by water intake.
D. It will fluctuate randomly due to a lack of genetic inheritance.

📝 Explanation

The selective pressure (tough seeds) favors birds with larger beaks. These individuals survive and reproduce more, increasing the average beak depth in the next generation.

📖 Additional Information

  • It will decrease as birds stretch their beaks to make them smaller.
  • It will increase because individuals with larger beaks survive better and pass on their genes.
  • It will remain unchanged because beak size is entirely determined by water intake.
  • It will fluctuate randomly due to a lack of genetic inheritance.

The selective pressure (tough seeds) favors birds with larger beaks. These individuals survive and reproduce more, increasing the average beak depth in the next generation.

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