The Grants have focused their research on the medium ground finch, Geospiza fortis, on the small island of Daphne Major. Daphne Major serves as an ideal site for research because the finches have few predators or competitors. (The only other finch on the island is the cactus finch.) The major factor influencing survival of the medium ground finch is the weather, and thus the availability of food. The medium ground finch has a stubby beak and eats mostly seeds. Medium ground finches are variable in size and shape, which makes them a good subject for a study of evolution.
