Galapagos bird specimens Darwin Research
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Galapagos bird specimens Darwin Research
Two Galapagos Mockingbirds (right, upper from Espanola lower from San Cristobal), three Galapagos finch species (upper left) and Yellow Warbler (gold, lower left), from the collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Galapagos. While actually on the Beagle voyage, it was the mockinbirds, and not the celebrated finches gave Darwin a glimpse that species could vary from neighbouring Island to Island. Darwin originally misidentified the finches when he collected them on the Galapagos, assuming them to be from very different groups. He also failed to label the birds very well, which he always regretted. Artist/ornithologist John Gould identified the birds for him and alerted him to the Mockinbirds being distinct species and the others as a new group of 12 closely related species of ground finch. The name Darwins finch was applied to the latter by Percy Lowe in 1936
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6318703
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Beagle Beak Darwin Evolution Finch Fitz Roy Galapagos Gould John Gould Origin Of Species Speciation Specimens Taxidermy Taxonomy Galapagos Mockingbird Mocking Bird Peter Grant
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable collection of Galapagos bird specimens, carefully preserved and displayed at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The image features two Galapagos Mockingbirds, one originating from Espanola Island and the other from San Cristobal Island. Positioned in the upper left corner are three species of Galapagos finches, while a vibrant Yellow Warbler adorns the lower left portion of the frame. These avian treasures played an instrumental role in shaping Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory of evolution. During his time aboard HMS Beagle, it was not the celebrated finches but rather these mockingbirds that first caught Darwin's attention. Their distinct variations across neighboring islands provided him with a profound insight into species diversity. Initially misidentifying the finches as belonging to separate groups, Darwin regretted his lackluster labeling efforts when collecting them on the Galapagos Islands. Fortunately, artist and ornithologist John Gould came to his aid by correctly identifying both mockingbirds as distinct species and recognizing 12 closely related ground finch species within this new group. The term "Darwin's finch" was later coined by Percy Lowe in 1936 to describe this fascinating array of birds. This photograph beautifully captures their beaks' intricate details alongside taxidermy craftsmanship—a testament to their significance in understanding taxonomy, speciation, and ultimately contributing to Darwin's seminal work on natural selection: "On the Origin of Species. "
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
![G. W. R New Station at Truro - Down Side Details [1897]](/sq/229/g-w-r-new-station-truro-details-1897-19265488.jpg.webp)
