speciation
This article (summarized from a PNAS paper) describes scientists witnessing a speciation event in finches (Geospiza fortis). From what I understand, this kind of event happens relatively frequently, and is more frequent in places like Australia. Kangaroos in particular speciate frequently I have heard.
The interesting thing about this one is that it has been witnessed within an individual naturally. They know precisely which birds started it.
As they point out, it is hard to know what will happen in the next number of generations, and whether or not they will mate with Geospiza fortis again. But definitely it’s a neat discovery.
3 months ago