In the Galapagos Islands, which of the following would have prevented the evolution of the many different species of finches?

a) the availability of different food sources on each island

b) the appearance of a disease that kills off many finches

c) introduction of predators preferentially consuming ground finches

d) frequent migration of finches between the islands

e) dramatic reduction in population due to drought

Dramatic reduction in population due to drought in the Galapagos Islands would have prevented the evolution of the many different species of finches.

Explanation:

Darwin observed that the shape of beak varies among the finch species. He suggested the ancestral species of finch might have overcrowded the island as a result of competition groups of finches adapted to feed over different food sources.

As a result of the natural selection, the traits for survival were passed down in the generation. However, if the population was reduced due to drought this evolution can be prevented.