Cardueline finches can be found in many areas of the world, including North America and Asia. Hawaiian honeycreepers, which are found only in Hawaii, have been found to have DNA commonalities with this group of finches that indicate they have a common ancestor. Which mechanism might have led to the appearance of the Hawaiian honeycreeper?

Question

Douglas Spears

Biology

10 May, 12:03

Cardueline finches can be found in many areas of the world, including North America and Asia. Hawaiian honeycreepers, which are found only in Hawaii, have been found to have DNA commonalities with this group of finches that indicate they have a common ancestor. Which mechanism might have led to the appearance of the Hawaiian honeycreeper?

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Erica · Answer 1

The Hawaiian honeycreeper could have evolved in one of several ways, firstly a land bridge may have existed between North America and Hawaii allowing for the finches to arrive in Hawaii and afterwards becoming geographically isolated and evolve into the honeycreepers, it could also be that a finch was introduced to Hawaii on a trading ship and evolved over time in the new species.