Gould's revelation
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genera: Geospiza; Camarhynchus/Platyspiza; Certhidea; Pinaroloxias
Darwin's "finches" represent a remarkable series of species that inhabit the
Galápagos and Cocos Islands. They have diverged from the original
colonizing species to give rise to around 15 species in four genera.
They differ in their morphology and habits.
Darwin did not recognize their common origin, but was rather informed of this
fact by his colleague John Gould.
I experienced a bit of a revelation myself in learning that Darwin's
"finches" are no longer classified as true finches, but rather as tanagers!
- in the family Thraupidae.
Modified: December 25, 2019
Created: August 25, 2010
Contact: siegelr@stanford.edu
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