Natural Selection Drives Beak Evolution

Steps:

• Identify the process: The beak change occurs over generations, indicating evolution via natural selection, not individual development.
• Evaluate traits: Pointed beaks aid insect capture, providing a survival advantage in the environment.
• Assess survival and reproduction: Birds with this trait access more food, survive longer, and reproduce more, increasing the trait's frequency.
• Match to choices: Select the option describing differential survival and competition leading to trait prevalence.

Why B is correct:

• It describes natural selection, where advantageous traits (pointed beaks) enhance food competition and survival, allowing those individuals to reproduce and pass on genes (Darwin's theory).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Describes Lamarckian inheritance (acquired traits), not genetic evolution.
• C: Suggests mate preference against pointed beaks, which would decrease the trait, opposing the change.
• D: Mentions adaptation and survival but omits competition and reproduction, making it incomplete.

Final answer: B