The finches of the Galapagos

The various species of finches in the Galapagos islands represent a unique evidence of Darwin’s theory of natural selection. These birds are so much alike that the transformation of a species into another can be easily traced. In spite of the resemblance, however, each species of finch presents a highly distinctive beak shape. From a single original species, different species of finch modify themselves according to the environment they inhabit. The population that is found in places where fruit or insects abound have a beak shape that best enables them to eat that type of food. The finer beaks, for instance, are better suited for an insect-based diet, whereas the thicker and more curved ones are better suited for a fruit-based diet.