Explore the Mystery of the Finch
Take the quiz and check your answers!
Click here to take the quiz!Who Am I?
Islands. This place is made up of 19 islands with different natural environments, and each island was full of unusual plants and animals, which was truly amazing and fascinating. My curiosity was piqued especially by ② . On each island, I noticed that finches had different beak shapes, and I became deeply interested in understanding why these finches, originally the same species, had developed such variations. I carefully observed the finches, drew pictures of them, and recorded my findings, determined to uncover their secrets. After returning to England, I dedicated more than 20 years to conducting experiments and research. In 1859, I published my famous book ③ , where I proposed the theory that species evolve through a process of adaptation to their < ④ > .
The HMS Beagle (in the background), which Darwin sailed on during his voyage
①
Islands, which Darwin observed most impressively during his voyage
Darwin’s drawings of various finches’ beaks
Click here to take the quiz!How Do Scientists Classify?
Classifying Like a Scientist
Darwin uncover the finch secret? Darwin carefully observed and classified finches, such as the <Large Ground Finch>. Now, you can also classify the finches shown below by their beak shapes, food, and habitats just like Darwin did.
| (a) Large Ground Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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| (b) Warbler Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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| (c) Vegetarian Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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| (d) Large Tree Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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| (e) Woodpecker Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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| (f) Cactus Finch | Characteristics |
|---|---|
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Finding Similarities and Differences Like a Scientist
What similarities and differences can you find among the finches?
Establish classification criteria and classify
Decide on a classification criterion and write it in the first column. Separate the finches into two groups based on whether they meet the criterion or not, and record the finch symbols accordingly. Next, select another criterion, write it in the second column, and classify the finches again. After completing your classification, explain your system to your friends. Click here to take the quiz!How do scientists make inferences?
Activity 1
Please follow the instructions and assemble the educational kit in the order specified.
Activity 2: Infer Like a Scientist
Darwin figured out that the reason why the finches on each island have different beak shapes is because they are limited to eating the specific ( ㉒ ) available in each environment. He inferred that their beaks gradually adapted over time to suit the food they could eat. With this inference, Darwin proposed the theory that all living organisms evolve based on their environment. Try to figure out why each finch’s beak shape is advantageous for eating its specific food.
| Finches | Beak Characteristics | Food | Advantages for Eating |
|---|---|---|---|
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Large Ground Finch: The beak is large and thick. | ㉓ |
㉔ |
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Cactus Finch: The beak is long and pointed | ㉕ |
㉖ |
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Warbler Finch: The beak is thin and pointed. | ㉗ |
㉘ |
Activity 3: Classify Imaginary Creatures
Let’s try classifying imaginary animals! How can we go about it?
Observe ▶ Find similarities and differences ▶ Set a classification criterion: A scientific classification criterion should produce the same results regardless of who uses it. ▶ Use a different classification criterion to classify: Try reclassifying the items using a new criterion. ▶ Classify in multiple stages: This allows you to understand the relationships between the animals at a glance. ▶ Explain your classification to others.
(a)Giraffe
(b) Unicorn
(c)Haetae
(d) Pegasus
(e)Dragon
(e)Phoenix