Charles concluded that the finches beaks are
examples of adaptive radiation. To fit in the island, they had to adapt to the
conditions. This lead to Charles’ theory of natural selection. Charles came to the conclusion of evolution and
natural selection. Natural selection is the process where organisms adapt to their environment to survive and
produce more offspring. Evolution is where different kinds of living organisms
are thought to have developed. These theories have changed science forever and
leave today’s scientists marveling of his theories.Â
The Galapagos Islands are located in Ecuador and
sit on the Pacific Ocean.
The Galapagos Islands were formed from 3 million
to 5 million years ago. Volcanic eruptions typically shield volcanoes formed
the islands. They are located over a “particularly hot mantel” that causes
volcanic activity. The outcome of many eruptions were islands because the left
overs were pushed to the surface. The Galapagos islands are pretty big reaching
an area of 3,093 miles. The temperatures range from 69 to 84 degrees creating a
typically warm climate.Â
All plants and animals are native to the
islands. It is likely that sea animals swam there, birds flew there (with the
help of wind), and reptiles and small animals were carried on rafts of
vegetation. Since
all the plants and animals are native to the islands, they had to adapt to the
new food source and climate. Beaks, size, etc. are all changes made to these
organisms to be able to live on the islands. The
Grant’s research on the Galapagos Islands showed that evolution exists and can
happen over a course of two years. They proved Darwin’s theories are true.  They observed the evolution of the finches and
are said to have seen it with their own eyes. They spent years measuring beaks
of the finches and documented change overtime.
Darwin’s
research showed that finches beaks are different to fit their food source. It
also started the theories of evolution and natural selection. Â
