Question

If the geology of the earth changes over millions of years, then life must change with it. describe how darwin made the connection between the theory of gradualism and geology and the appearance of new species using the finches he collected on the different islands.

Answer 1

As continents drift apart, it becomes hard for a population to mingle freely due to geological separation. This restricts the gene flow in the once homogenous population hence resulting in the allopatric speciation of the separated groups of the population. Also, as the continents drift, their climate changes and so does the flora and fauna in the process of adaptation.