[News] Simple Math Explains Dramatic Beak Shape Variation in Darwin's Finches

[freeztar]

In a study appearing in the February 16 Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers demonstrate that simple changes in beak length and depth can explain the important morphological diversity of all beak shapes within the famous genus Geospiza.

 

Broadly, the work suggests that a few, simple mathematical rules may be responsible for complicated biological adaptations.

Simple math explains dramatic beak shape variation in Darwin's finches