Question

What discoveries led Darwin to develop his theories on adaptation?

Answer 1

The discoveries of Charles Darwin were based on the observations made by Charles Darwin in the continent of South America. His visit to Ecuador in South America made it possible for him to discover something unusual and he then formulated his theory of evolution.

Complete answer:
Charles Darwin had visited the Galapagos islands in the South American nation of Ecuador in the days of colonialism. It was here that he noticed that the birds on the islands had different kinds of beaks which had adapted themselves to their food patterns and the type of food each one ate. The birds, in general were of the same species but had a few distinct features based on their prey and food habits – the bigger beaked birds used to eat bigger animals and the smaller beaked birds used to feed on small worms.
When he returned, he was convinced that theory was a common ancestor of all the organisms on the Earth and then he began his studies on the different organisms – worms, bords, animals, etc. Later on, he concluded that it was the surroundings and the environment of the organisms that led to the development of certain changes in them from their ancestors. This was later formulated into a theory known as Darwin's Theory of evolution.

Note:
The birds that triggered the formulation of Darwin's Evolution theory on the Galapagos Islands were Finches – several species of them were found on the Galapagos island and they differed in their food source and the type in which they found nutrition.