GuideFoot - Learn Together, Grow Smarter. Logo

In Biology / College | 2025-07-04

Why do ducks have webs in between their toes according to Darwin?

Asked by asenathidama8

Answer (2)

Ducks have webbed feet to improve their swimming efficiency, a feature explained by Darwin's theory of natural selection. This adaptation allows them to thrive in aquatic habitats as those with webbed feet are more successful at survival and reproduction. Over time, this advantageous trait became prevalent in the duck population.
;

Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04

According to Charles Darwin and his theory of natural selection, ducks have webbed feet because it provides them with an evolutionary advantage in their environment.
Who and What

Charles Darwin was a naturalist who proposed the theory of natural selection, which is a key concept in evolutionary biology explaining how species evolve over time.
The webbed feet of ducks are an important adaptation for their aquatic lifestyle.

Why

Natural Selection: The idea is that traits that provide an advantage for survival and reproduction tend to be passed on to the next generation. Ducks with webbed feet can swim more efficiently than those without.
Survival Advantage: Webbed feet help ducks swim by acting like paddles, allowing them to move through water easily. This adaptation increases their ability to find food and escape predators.

How

Genetic Adaptation: Over many generations, ducks with slightly more webbing in their feet were more likely to survive and reproduce. As a result, the trait became more common in duck populations.

Where and When

This process takes place in environments where ducks interact with water, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, over a period of many generations.

In summary, ducks have webbed feet because this trait evolved to give them a survival advantage in watery environments, as described by Darwin's natural selection theory.

Answered by MasonWilliamTurner | 2025-07-07