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Study Catches Birds Splitting Into Separate Species

Posted by kdawson on from the it's-not-me-it's-you dept.

webdoodle writes "A new study finds that a change in a single gene has sent two closely related bird populations on their way to becoming two distinct species. The study, published in the August issue of the American Naturalist, is one of only a few to investigate the specific genetic changes that drive two populations toward speciation."

8 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. Thank God. . . by MagusSlurpy · · Score: 4, Funny

    . . . for intelligently designing these species to evolve.

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    1. Re:Thank God. . . by flydude18 · · Score: 5, Funny

      This isn't evolution, it's just God applying a patch.

    2. Re:Thank God. . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      No. Obviously the birds sinned,and THAT'S what caused the need for the separation in species. That leaves one good, and the other sinful.

    3. Re:Thank God. . . by Hojima · · Score: 4, Funny

      Actually, I prayed the day would come where we observe speciation. Wait a sec. Damn, he does exist. I guess it's back to offering virgin sacrifices to the great lord Zuthulu.

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    4. Re:Thank God. . . by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Funny

      I've applied a fork to birds tons of times and you don't see anyone thanking me.

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      This guy's the limit!
  2. Keep in mind... by MindlessAutomata · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Keep in mind that the criteria for speciation is, itself, somewhat arbitrary and there exist few fine borders in nature for classifying things. These birds CAN produce offspring, but behaviorally, don't. This may be where some creationists get confused, thinking of dogs and cats and fish, etc in terms of some sort of central "essence" of an animal, when in reality the borders exist mostly in human minds.

  3. The heading is misleading.... by thephydes · · Score: 5, Informative

    It is not speciation occurring ...YET. It is two related bird populations not seeing each other as sexual rivals, apparently because of feather colour. The article is clear. This MAY lead to speciation if other genetic changes occur in one or both bird populations.

  4. another example of speciation by jipn4 · · Score: 4, Funny

    These birds CAN produce offspring, but behaviorally, don't.

    So, you're saying it's like computer geeks and supermodels?