Evolution in action detected in Darwin's finches
Thursday, April 21, 2016 - 14:30
in Biology & Nature
The most characteristic feature of Darwin's finches is the diversification of beak morphology that has allowed these species to expand their utilization of food resources in the Galapagos archipelago. A team of scientists has now identified a gene that explains variation in beak size within and among species. The gene contributed to a rapid shift in beak size of the medium ground finch following a severe drought.