Evolution generally happens over hundreds of years and is
usually not noticeable in one’s lifetime. The evolution of beak shape in
Galapagos finches is an exception to this. The Galapagos finches have a variety
beak shapes. They range from long and skinny to deep and thick. Their beaks are
adapted to the type of seed they eat. The small beaked finches feed off small
fleshy seeds. The thick beaked finches feed off tough thick seeds. The range of
beak morphologies directly reflects the foods they eat. The sizes of these
beaks are generally pretty even. During years of extensive drought a shift in
beak size can be seen. The drought has to occur over a few generations for the
results to be seen. The thick beaked finches can eat tough seeds that are
resistant to drought. These birds are unaffected by drought. The thin beaked finches
often struggle during the drought years. Their small fleshy seeds become very sparse.
Their beaks don’t allow them to eat the tough seeds and the birds often die as
a result of starvation. Their death means that they cannot pass on their thin
beaked genes. The thick beaked finches are healthy and can reproduce. Their
thick beaked genes are passed along, creating a shift. The shift is towards
thicker beaks. The thick beaked finches are able to continue to pass along
their genes while the thin beaked finches continue to struggle. There are
finches with intermediate beak size and are also able to pass along their
genes. Over a few generations you are able to see a shift toward thicker beaked
finches.
For more information:
http://www.truthinscience.org.uk/tis2/index.php/component/content/article/53.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/6/l_016_01.html