Gentrification is a social phenomenon that is characterized by community developments that, at times, displace lower income residents and small businesses. This process is often characterized by urban renewal or urban planning projects that are initiated by increased interest in a particular community. For example, low-income artisans such as artists and musicians may move into a lower income urban sector and utilize their talents to enhance its aesthetics. These early gentrifiers increase the community’s appearance and desirability, which attracts the attention of others who wish to further develop the area. Once urban development begins, it is common for these areas to experience an influx in wealthier inhabitants, which are often accompanied by upper-class business enterprises and increased property values. Once the gentrification process has reached this point, some of the earlier inhabitants or locals of the area may not be able to afford the increased cost of living in the community. This may result in population migration out of the community. As a result, the area’s social demographics change, which may be accompanied by conflict and controversy between immigrating and emigrating groups. A case study in Chicago’s Hyde Park will help to illustrate this process.

In the wake of WWII, labor-hungry war industries coupled with white out-migration (“white flight”) from Chicago’s inner city to the suburbs resulted in a dramatic shift in the city’s racial demographics between the years 1920 to 1950. In the early 1900s, the migration of southern blacks to Chicago’s south side south of 55^th Street created what became known as the Black Belt. This shift in racial demographics resulted in an increase of Chicago’s black population, from only 4 percent of the city’s population in 1920 to 23 percent in 1960. 

In the early 1950’s, the traditional Cottage Grove Avenue barrier that separated the Hyde Park-Kenwood area from the Black Belt was traversed by further black migrations, which resulted—in part—from the demolition of the nearby Lake Meadows Housing Development. The University of Chicago used political power to revitalize neighborhood areas that had deteriorated due to the construction of low-income housing developments nearby. Specifically, they sought to keep public housing out of the neighborhoods surrounding the University. The creation of the citizen-oriented Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC) in 1949 and the University of Chicago’s establishment of the Southeast Chicago Commission (SECC) in 1952 resulted in the implementation of a plan disguised as urban renewal, which attempted to slow the racial transformation of the area. In 1958, the Chicago City Council approved the Hyde Park-Kenwood Renewal Plan that racially segregated the area. The University sought to maintain a compatible environment for its operations and to preserve the racial homogeneity of the community; thus, the University, through the SECC, attempted to create an economically upgraded and predominantly white neighborhood. In other words, if the racial composition of the area could not be maintained, then upgraded class and socioeconomic statuses could prevent demographic changes by making it unaffordable to lower income groups. It is important to note that this contention and “renewal” of Hyde Park’s racial structure was not contained within this time span between the post war period and the Civil Rights Era in the 1960s. The 1970s brought similar racial strife and tension to Hyde Park in the wake of gentrifying forces.

A group of researchers observed gentrification in the Chicago suburbs. These researchers paid close attention to neighborhoods that were described as “up and coming.” They decided to use census data to look at two factors in these regions: population and median home values between the years of 2010 and 2015. The researchers planned to observe the changes contained in four census tracts: 8412, 6706, 6715, and 7107. The researchers hypothesized that they would observe population out-migrations and increased property values in areas that have been gentrified. The results of this data were tabulated in the following two figures.

Figure 1: Changes in population of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

Figure 2: Changes in median home value of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

Which of the following options is the best textual support for the researchers' claim that gentrified areas should be characterized by a population decline and increased home values?

Gentrification is a social phenomenon that is characterized by community developments that, at times, displace lower income residents and small businesses. This process is often characterized by urban renewal or urban planning projects that are initiated by increased interest in a particular community. For example, low-income artisans such as artists and musicians may move into a lower income urban sector and utilize their talents to enhance its aesthetics. These early gentrifiers increase the community’s appearance and desirability, which attracts the attention of others who wish to further develop the area. Once urban development begins, it is common for these areas to experience an influx in wealthier inhabitants, which are often accompanied by upper-class business enterprises and increased property values. Once the gentrification process has reached this point, some of the earlier inhabitants or locals of the area may not be able to afford the increased cost of living in the community. This may result in population migration out of the community. As a result, the area’s social demographics change, which may be accompanied by conflict and controversy between immigrating and emigrating groups. A case study in Chicago’s Hyde Park will help to illustrate this process.

In the wake of WWII, labor-hungry war industries coupled with white out-migration (“white flight”) from Chicago’s inner city to the suburbs resulted in a dramatic shift in the city’s racial demographics between the years 1920 to 1950. In the early 1900s, the migration of southern blacks to Chicago’s south side south of 55^th Street created what became known as the Black Belt. This shift in racial demographics resulted in an increase of Chicago’s black population, from only 4 percent of the city’s population in 1920 to 23 percent in 1960. 

In the early 1950’s, the traditional Cottage Grove Avenue barrier that separated the Hyde Park-Kenwood area from the Black Belt was traversed by further black migrations, which resulted—in part—from the demolition of the nearby Lake Meadows Housing Development. The University of Chicago used political power to revitalize neighborhood areas that had deteriorated due to the construction of low-income housing developments nearby. Specifically, they sought to keep public housing out of the neighborhoods surrounding the University. The creation of the citizen-oriented Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC) in 1949 and the University of Chicago’s establishment of the Southeast Chicago Commission (SECC) in 1952 resulted in the implementation of a plan disguised as urban renewal, which attempted to slow the racial transformation of the area. In 1958, the Chicago City Council approved the Hyde Park-Kenwood Renewal Plan that racially segregated the area. The University sought to maintain a compatible environment for its operations and to preserve the racial homogeneity of the community; thus, the University, through the SECC, attempted to create an economically upgraded and predominantly white neighborhood. In other words, if the racial composition of the area could not be maintained, then upgraded class and socioeconomic statuses could prevent demographic changes by making it unaffordable to lower income groups. It is important to note that this contention and “renewal” of Hyde Park’s racial structure was not contained within this time span between the post war period and the Civil Rights Era in the 1960s. The 1970s brought similar racial strife and tension to Hyde Park in the wake of gentrifying forces.

A group of researchers observed gentrification in the Chicago suburbs. These researchers paid close attention to neighborhoods that were described as “up and coming.” They decided to use census data to look at two factors in these regions: population and median home values between the years of 2010 and 2015. The researchers planned to observe the changes contained in four census tracts: 8412, 6706, 6715, and 7107. The researchers hypothesized that they would observe population out-migrations and increased property values in areas that have been gentrified. The results of this data were tabulated in the following two figures.

Figure 1: Changes in population of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

Figure 2: Changes in median home value of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

Identify the primary trend in the first figure that illustrates data associated with population numbers.

Gentrification is a social phenomenon that is characterized by community developments that, at times, displace lower income residents and small businesses. This process is often characterized by urban renewal or urban planning projects that are initiated by increased interest in a particular community. For example, low-income artisans such as artists and musicians may move into a lower income urban sector and utilize their talents to enhance its aesthetics. These early gentrifiers increase the community’s appearance and desirability, which attracts the attention of others who wish to further develop the area. Once urban development begins, it is common for these areas to experience an influx in wealthier inhabitants, which are often accompanied by upper-class business enterprises and increased property values. Once the gentrification process has reached this point, some of the earlier inhabitants or locals of the area may not be able to afford the increased cost of living in the community. This may result in population migration out of the community. As a result, the area’s social demographics change, which may be accompanied by conflict and controversy between immigrating and emigrating groups. A case study in Chicago’s Hyde Park will help to illustrate this process.

In the wake of WWII, labor-hungry war industries coupled with white out-migration (“white flight”) from Chicago’s inner city to the suburbs resulted in a dramatic shift in the city’s racial demographics between the years 1920 to 1950. In the early 1900s, the migration of southern blacks to Chicago’s south side south of 55^th Street created what became known as the Black Belt. This shift in racial demographics resulted in an increase of Chicago’s black population, from only 4 percent of the city’s population in 1920 to 23 percent in 1960. 

In the early 1950’s, the traditional Cottage Grove Avenue barrier that separated the Hyde Park-Kenwood area from the Black Belt was traversed by further black migrations, which resulted—in part—from the demolition of the nearby Lake Meadows Housing Development. The University of Chicago used political power to revitalize neighborhood areas that had deteriorated due to the construction of low-income housing developments nearby. Specifically, they sought to keep public housing out of the neighborhoods surrounding the University. The creation of the citizen-oriented Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC) in 1949 and the University of Chicago’s establishment of the Southeast Chicago Commission (SECC) in 1952 resulted in the implementation of a plan disguised as urban renewal, which attempted to slow the racial transformation of the area. In 1958, the Chicago City Council approved the Hyde Park-Kenwood Renewal Plan that racially segregated the area. The University sought to maintain a compatible environment for its operations and to preserve the racial homogeneity of the community; thus, the University, through the SECC, attempted to create an economically upgraded and predominantly white neighborhood. In other words, if the racial composition of the area could not be maintained, then upgraded class and socioeconomic statuses could prevent demographic changes by making it unaffordable to lower income groups. It is important to note that this contention and “renewal” of Hyde Park’s racial structure was not contained within this time span between the post war period and the Civil Rights Era in the 1960s. The 1970s brought similar racial strife and tension to Hyde Park in the wake of gentrifying forces.

A group of researchers observed gentrification in the Chicago suburbs. These researchers paid close attention to neighborhoods that were described as “up and coming.” They decided to use census data to look at two factors in these regions: population and median home values between the years of 2010 and 2015. The researchers planned to observe the changes contained in four census tracts: 8412, 6706, 6715, and 7107. The researchers hypothesized that they would observe population out-migrations and increased property values in areas that have been gentrified. The results of this data were tabulated in the following two figures.

Figure 1: Changes in population of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

Figure 2: Changes in median home value of observed census tracts between 2000 and 2015.

According to the figures, which census tract is most likely being gentrified?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate. 

Which of the following choices best summarizes the passage?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate.

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate. 

According to the passage, Darwin observed that finches with large, hard beaks most likely consumed which of the following?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate. 

Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that the differences between prehistoric and organisms of the nineteenth century were produced by which of the following?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate. 

Which of the following best describes the geographical distribution of the Galapagos Archipelago?

Early in the nineteenth century, scientists sought to understand the differences in the earth’s flora and fauna from their archeological ancestors. The prevailing view at the time was that the differences between current and previous species were unremarkable deviations from their Platonic ideal forms. This theory hinged upon the ideals of the religious-based “created kinds” theory, which stated that individuals of today are the direct descendants of the organisms that were present at the earth’s creation. They were the result of an intelligent designer and have remained relatively unchanged from their conception. Proponents of the created kinds theory believed that unseen geological and astrological forces slowly altered organisms throughout time; furthermore, they postulated that these minor alterations could explain the differences between organisms—past and present. Other scientists of the same period and similar mindset theorized that organisms had the ability to change within their lifetimes and pass on traits to their offspring efficiently and quickly through a single generation (i.e. rapid evolution).

Charles Darwin and other biologists, such as Alfred Wallace, were not greatly influenced by these views and hypotheses. Their propositions stated that species evolve over many generations, due to the selective pressures of their given environments. This evolution could result in the generation of divergent traits, as well as speciation and separation from the original ancestral species. The concept that organisms were not finite or present since creation was very controversial to the scientists of the period. Opponents of Darwin’s theorizations saw such an idea as unsupportable, while others perceived this novel concept as heretical and fanatical.

Darwin set out to find support for his theory. This evidentiary quest led to the collection of data and observations that formed Darwin’s most notable work: On the Origins of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darwin’s theory was influenced by archeological discoveries of species, which appeared to have vastly different physiological appearances from present-day organisms. This discovery led Darwin to decide to sail around the world on a Royal Navy ship named the H.M.S. Beagle. During his travels, he was taken to the Pacific islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The volcanic islands followed a patterned distribution on either side of the Equator. The landscapes of each island varied, with vastly different observable flora and fauna.

Through scientific observations, Darwin noticed subtle variations of finches on different islands. Finches are a type of passerine. Almost half of all bird species can be described as passerines. Among other characteristics, the most notable feature of passerines is the structure of their feet: three toes face forward and one toe faces back, which enables improved perching abilities. Darwin noticed that some Galapagos finches had large hard beaks, while others had slender beaks. He hypothesized that the beaks were differentiated from island to island. After careful study, Darwin noticed that the beaks seemed to match the food source on each island. The large beaks were specialized for breaking open hard-shelled nuts, while the slender beaks were specialized for eating certain fruits that were abundant. Darwin hypothesized that an ancestral species of finch landed on the islands, and over generations they became adapted to the locally abundant food sources. In this way, Darwin believed that particular beak size was a trait that was selected for by particular environments. In other words, finches with beaks best suited for foraging of nutrients were able to survive and pass on their genetics and subsequent traits (i.e. beak size); however, those without these particular traits suffered from an evolutionary disadvantage and were likely to die off before engaging in a successful reproductive event and produce offspring. These observations formed the basis of Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Over time, Darwin compiled multiple instances of natural selection and incorporated discoveries made by archeologists and physiologists. He surmised that species evolve over time due to the selective pressures of their respective habitats. These events occur slowly over many generations. Each species selects for advantageous traits among its members. Over time, traits selected as advantageous by environmental pressures and stressors become commonplace in the species. This niche-forming process specializes species by rewarding those with traits most suitable for reproductive success. These traits may progress into speciation of the original species, which results in the eventual development of an entirely new species. Darwin’s theory was met with opposition at the time of its publication, and the theory of evolution remains a controversial topic in several arenas of debate. 

In the context of the passage, what is the closest in meaning to the underlined word "deviations"?