Darwin's Finches

Definition

Darwin's finches are a group of bird species found on the Galapagos Islands that have evolved different beak shapes and sizes to exploit different food sources, demonstrating adaptive radiation.

Related terms

Adaptive Radiation:

The evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor following the introduction into various new environmental conditions.

Speciation:

The formation of new and distinct species through evolution.

Ecological Niche:

The role and position that an organism has within its environment; includes such interactions as how it gets food and interacts with other organisms.