Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

This genius predicted the existence of the hawk moth (or something like it) based solely on his observations of the structure of the Star of Bethlehem orchid

  1. Pascual Jordan

  2. Charles Darwin

  3. Elizabeth Britton

  4. John Muir
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Charles Darwin correctly predicted that a moth with a 30cm proboscis must exist to pollinate the Star of Bethlehem orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) based solely on its unusually long nectar spur. This prediction was confirmed decades later when the hawk moth Xanthopan morgani was discovered. Darwin's insight demonstrated the power of evolutionary theory to make testable predictions about co-evolved species.

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