Convergent Evolution Of Creepers In The Hawaiian Honeycreeper Radiation

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The Hawaiian honeycreepers are a spectacular example of evolution. From a single species of finch that colonized Hawaii 3 to 5 million years ago, over 50 species of birds evolved that resemble diverse groups such as woodpeckers, warblers, nuthatches, and grosbeaks.

Early researchers grouped the species based on morphology and behavior. We studied a series of genetic markers and found that two apparently related species classified as "creepers" are actually distantly related.

This is a classic illustration of convergent evolution, where ecological and evolutionary forces can shape species to share strikingly similar traits although the species are not directly related.

Royal Society journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

Biology Letters