Download [Document title] [Document subtitle] M4A1. Article Critique In the

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M4A1. Article Critique
In the article “Darwin’s Finches”, the authors explain how the finches are a solid example
of how adaptive radiation accompanied with several species can evolve from one single lineage.
They believe it to be a case of “evolution in action” (Hau & Wikelski, 2001). These birds have
been studied extensively over the years and the evolutionary tendencies are quite enigmatic when
compared to other life forms in our environment. Scientists have been capable of distinguishing
several different species and the evolutionary traits even while not having the original
information firsthand due to Darwin’s theories being quite ancient in some aspect. This
evolutionary pattern is complex, but the significance in Darwin’s original experiments is
representative of evolutionary change in action (Hau & Wikelski, 2001).
The studies conducted with information attained from the finches has helped examine
hypotheses to uncover details about various phenotype traits in the birds restricted to one area of
the environment—in this case, the Galapagos Islands (Hau & Wikelski, 2001). The outcome
proposes the finches actually are derived from one flock of birds that arrived on the islands many
years ago and slowly evolved over time into various species of finches, albeit with the same
characteristics in some aspects as the original species detected (Hau & Wikelski, 2001).
The authors of this article are thorough in their examination of the birds as well as capable of
extrapolating the evidence suggested by Darwin originally. For example, with the length of a
bird’s beak, it is possible for longer beaked birds to withstand harsher conditions because they
had the ability to get food much easier than those birds who had shorter beaks. Over the course
of several generations, these beaks adapted to where the conditions were not as harsh as they
originally were and the birds survived longer periods of time before dying (Hau & Wikelski,
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2001). Also, those birds who had smaller beaks and did not consume as much food eventually
became smaller in number due to the environmental and adaptive conditions faced. It is truly a
case of “survival of the fittest” in this aspect.
Also, Darwin noticed various types of birds living in certain specific locations along the
islands. This, the authors believe, is due to the fact the birds recognized where their most
abundant food sources were located and migrated there to preserve their lives. Over time, the
birds who survived could reproduce and the population would remain so long as the food source
could meet the supply and demand of each respective population of birds (Hau & Wikelski,
2001).
The authors make valid statements in this article and can relate them to the adaptation of
evolution because, based on Darwin’s original experiments, birds changed and modified their
characteristics dependent on external environmental factors. Those birds who could not evolve
accordingly were eventually diminished in smaller numbers until there were less overall in the
population. Eventually, those birds could not withstand the harshness of the environment and
were “weeded out” if you will. However, the birds who had the stronger capabilities of
withstanding the harsh conditions of their immediate environment could flourish and thus the
numbers increased for those respective populations (Hau & Wikelski, 2001).
This article is interesting the fact it shows, over time, how fitness and adaptation are
directly proportional to one’s external environment. I believe the authors have significant
observations and indeed show the capabilities of the finches based on research carried out by
Darwin as well as other hypotheses unveiled in the literature review. Darwin’s theory of
evolution is still valid today to some degree, if not exactly as he intended in a historical context.
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As organisms, we all must be capable of adapting to our external environments if we are to
propagate and produce offspring with the ability to withstand whatever the current conditions
may be.
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Reference:
Hau, M., & Wikelski, M. (2001). Darwin's finches. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences.