Which Statement About the Beak Size of Finches on the Island

question 63

Multiple Choice

Which statement about the beak size of finches on the island of Daphne Major during prolonged drought is accurate?

• A) Each bird evolved a deeper, stronger beak as the drought persisted.
• B) Each bird's survival was strongly influenced by the depth and strength of its beak as the drought persisted.
• C) Each bird that survived the drought produced only offspring with deeper, stronger beaks than seen in the previous generation.
• D) The frequency of the strong-beak alleles increased in each bird as the drought persisted.

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Definitions:

Aversion Conditioning

A method of learning involving a negative or unpleasant stimulus to create a dislike for a particular behavior.

Imprinting

A rapid learning process occurring early in the life of a social animal, where it forms an attachment to a particular object or organism.

Goslings

Young geese; in a developmental context, the term often illustrates principles of imprinting and early learning.

Ducklings

Ducklings are the young of ducks; in psychology, they are often used in imprinting studies, which show how they can form attachments during a critical period early in life.