What concept explains how finches on the Galapagos Islands evolved different beak shapes?

Natural selection is the concept that explains how finches on the Galapagos Islands evolved different beak shapes. This process occurs when individuals in a population possess varying traits, and those traits affect their ability to survive and reproduce in their environment. Over time, traits that increase the chances of survival become more common in the population.

In the case of the Galapagos finches, the variations in beak shape corresponded to the types of food available on the islands. Finches with beak shapes that were better suited for specific food sources, such as larger seeds or insects, were more likely to thrive and reproduce. This led to the diversification of beak shapes among the different finch species, showcasing how natural selection can drive evolutionary change based on environmental pressures.

Adaptation is a related concept that refers to the process through which species become better suited to their environment, but it does not directly explain the mechanism behind the change in traits. Mutualism describes a relationship between species where both benefit, and extinction refers to the disappearance of a species. Neither of these concepts directly addresses the evolutionary process leading to the variation in finch beak shapes.