Question

Why is Daphne Major an ideal study site AND the birds an ideal subject?

Answer 1

Hi Answer:

Q. Why is Daphne Major an ideal study site AND the birds an ideal subject?

Answer: Peter and Rosemary Grant are the scientist who studied the evolution. Grants selected the Daphne major as the study site is a small island. The site of Daphne major serves as ideal research site because on this island finches have few predators or competitors. They selected they selected a small bird named as cactus finch (Geospiza scandens) for study the evolution because of their variable size and shape. These finches survive well on the island and their survival depends on the weather and availability of food. The medium ground finch has a stubby beak and eats mostly seeds. They are variable in size and shape. Grants study the evolution under stress i.e. under drought conditions. In 1977 there was no rain for 551 days on the island due to which the plants withered and finches grew hungry. The medium ground finches were accustomed to eating grew scarce. Medium ground finches with larger beaks could take advantage of alternate food sources because they could crack open larger seeds. The smaller-beaked birds couldn't do this, so they died of starvation. In 1978 Grants returns to the island and again study the effect of drought on finches and found that the new offspring’s have 3-4% larger beak than their ancestors. This is due to the drought conditions they need long beaks to open the seeds. This natural selection took place within two year of time.