On the Galápagos Islands,the tool-using woodpecker finches modify twigs to pry out grubs.With no true woodpeckers on the Galápagos Islands,this behavior allows it to exploit an untapped food source.However,not all members of this species exhibit this behavior which is learned from watching other finches.Therefore,
A)hatchlings will not know how to do this.
B)it is probably not "hardwired" in the brain as a behavior passed on genetically.
C)there must be a great advantage to reaching this food source for this learned behavior to be repeated by most descendants of each generation.
D)as an acquired characteristic,in a strict sense this may not be part of the adaptive radiation of finches on the Galápagos.
E)all of the choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The explanation for each choice being correct is as follows: A) Since the behavior is learned from observation, hatchlings will not innately know how to modify twigs to extract grubs. B) The fact that not all members of the species exhibit this behavior and that it is learned suggests it is not genetically hardwired. C) The repeated learning and use of this behavior by many finches across generations imply a significant advantage in accessing this food source. D) Since the behavior is acquired through learning rather than inherited genetically, it doesn't strictly fall under the category of adaptive radiation, which involves genetic changes leading to diversification.

On the Galápagos Islands,the Tool-Using Woodpecker Finches Modify Twigs to Pry