Darwin and the Finches on the
Galapagos Islands
Name _______________________________________
Date ____________________________ Period ______
This diagram presents 10 DIFFERENT species of finches on the Galapagos Islands, each living in a
different habitat on an island. All of them evolved from the SAME species and developed
adaptations over millions of years to help them survive in their new environments.
In the middle, the diagram shows what each finch eats or its food supply. Outside that, it shows what
kinds of bills each finch has. Outside that, it shows the physical environment of the finches. On the
very outside, it shows the specific kinds of finches.
Describe the Variation in Darwin’s finches:

Beak/bill

Diet/Food

Environment
Why do you think each of the following species' variation makes it well adapted to its PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENT?

Large insectivorous tree finch

Medium ground finch
Why do you think each of the following species' variation makes it well adapted for its FOOD
SUPPLY?

Cactus ground finch

Vegetarian tree finch