Question

lab: natural selection
ssignment: reflect on the lab active
decide whether specific questions can be answered
using scientific investigation
galapagos tortoises have a number of shell
variations, shown right. what are the advantages
of choosing a system examining the beaks of
finches instead of the shells of tortoises? check all
that apply.
birds have shorter lifespans, making
generations shorter.
the bird population is likely much greater,
allowing for more data.
tortoises move too slowly for natural
selection to influence shell phenotype.
birds are easier to track and monitor.
done

Explanation:

• Birds have shorter lifespans, making generations shorter: Shorter - lived organisms can show evolutionary changes (related to natural selection) over a shorter time span in a study.
• The bird population is likely much greater, allowing for more data: A larger population size provides more samples for analysis in a scientific investigation.
• Birds are easier to track and monitor: Ease of tracking and monitoring is an important practical advantage for a scientific study.

Tortoises moving too slowly for natural selection to influence shell phenotype is incorrect. Natural selection acts over long periods, and tortoises' slow movement does not prevent natural - selection - related studies on their shells.

Answer:

Birds have shorter lifespans, making generations shorter; The bird population is likely much greater, allowing for more data; Birds are easier to track and monitor.