4 __ Over time, the climate of an island became drier, which resulted in changes to the populations of various island finch species.Finch populations with a certain beak shape thrived , while those not having that beak shape decreased. Which of the following describes a necessary condition for these changes in the finch populations to occur? A. fewer mutations B. limited food resources C. limited beak variations D. overproduction of offspring

## Step 1<br />The problem is based on the principles of natural selection and evolution, which were first proposed by Charles Darwin. The scenario describes a situation where the climate of an island becomes drier, leading to changes in the populations of various finch species. The finches with a certain beak shape thrive, while those without that beak shape decrease.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The question asks us to identify a necessary condition for these changes in the finch populations to occur. The options provided are: fewer mutations, limited food resources, limited beak variations, and overproduction of offspring.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The principle of natural selection suggests that in a population, there is a variation in traits, and these traits are heritable. This means that some individuals in the population will have traits that allow them to survive and reproduce better than others.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />In the given scenario, the finches with a certain beak shape are able to survive and reproduce better than those without that beak shape. This suggests that the finches with the desired beak shape have a survival advantage, which is a key aspect of natural selection.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The overproduction of offspring is a common characteristic of many species, including finches. This overproduction leads to competition for resources, and only the fittest survive and reproduce. This is another key aspect of natural selection.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Therefore, the necessary condition for these changes in the finch populations to occur is the overproduction of offspring.