Darwin in the Genome

I wonder if Peter is aware that the famous finches only get a passing mention in Origin of Species? I'd guess they played a pretty small role in the whole ToE thingy...[This message has been edited by Quetzal, 02-13-2003]

Yep. He was much more interested in the mockingbirds - after all, that was a better example of his thesis. 9 species on 9 islands, no hybridization, etc. The finches are a great example of adaptive radiation, but less so in the sense of speciation since they mix and match between islands and it probably wasn't until the Grants that the relationships were really worked out.I'm impressed that you translated Origin into Indonesian - that must have been a LOT of work. "Labor of love"?

PaulK and Peter Borger: Could you folks please learn to use the UBB "quote /quote" and "qs /qs" functions? The last exchange was practically incomprehensible. I couldn't figure out who said what to whom when and what replies were current. Thanks.Quetzal: the other thread reader...