This interesting biological concept is described as one in which a particular animal or a plant group adapts to a variety of habitats, and in the process evolves into new entities. Darwin's finches are the best known and classic example of this phenomenom. From a common ancestor, 13 species of finches evolved by adapting themselves to the food sources avalaible in the Galapagos. Morphological evidence of these adaptations is best illustrated by their beaks. Certain species have specific thick beaks that help the birds to crush large seeds . Others have beaks suited to feeding on leaves, flowers, or insects.
On the other hand, the genus Scalesia represents the plant kingdom's best example of adaptative radiation in Galapagos. This endemic genus consists of 15 species, and a total of 19 members when subspecies and varieties are included. It has been suggested that the ancestor of these plants first colonized the arid lowlands of an island. This was followed by adaptation to moister sites and to other islands. In doing so , the leaves of these plants became markedly different from each other in shape and size. It seems that this is how they adapted to the humidity of their particular surroundings.
Exactly like the Darwin finches and their famous beaks, every Scalesia species has a different morphological feature -- leaf shape, height and texture -- which separates it from a common ancestor. I conclude by quoting something I always tell to our visitors: "Scalesias are for plant lovers and botanists what finches represent for ornithologists." Scalesias are not best known and fully appreciated simply because of one single fact, they are not known as Darwin scalesias. In today's picture you have the best examples we have of adaptative radiation , finches and scalesias, together!
