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1. The Beaks of Finches NYSED Lab Michael Comet
South Lewis High School
Turin, NY
2. What is the “goal” of the lab? Demonstrate how Darwin’s Finches (those that he observed on the Galapagos Islands) have adapted new beaks yet remain similar to the shared common ancestor that most likely came from the mainland.
4. Round 1 Only one seed at a time may be eaten. To be “eaten” it must land inside your stomach.
If you scoop seeds or eat more than one at a time, you “choke” and vomit all of your seeds out.
Average is taken from four trials, 60 seconds each.
5. And now, Round 1…
6. Successful in Round 1? Welcome to Round 2!!!
7. Unsuccessful in Round 1?
8. Successful in Round 2?Welcome to Round 3!! Increased Competition
(more than 1 other bird)
9. Not successful in Round 2?
10. So, what did you learn? Birds have evolved many different mechanisms and modifications that make them more well-adapted to the environment in which they live.
Structural differences (in beaks) are significant enough to make you into a new species, but you did descend from a common ancestor.
The adaptations that are contribute to the most success allow that individual to survive and reproduce.
The adaptations that are contribute to a lack of success are not passed on since they either starve or have no “breeding rights”.