Phenotypic Divergence of Boldness in Brachyrhaphis Fishes

Authors

Joseph Nelson, Brigham Young University
Jerald B. Johnson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

phenotypic divergence, Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora, fish

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

The general public has a fairly good understanding of evolution and how physical characteristics of a species can change to adapt to environmental inconsistencies. In times of drought, flood, or other natural stress that commonly occur in nature, animals must adapt to their surroundings, or die. The example of the Galapagos finches is one of the most popular used illustrations of this concept. The size, shape and usefulness of a finch’s beak were some few of the things that the great scientist Charles Darwin first noticed on his trip to the Galapagos Islands over 170 years ago. As Darwin determined that these birds each had different styles of beaks in order to maximize the best possible feasting opportunities, the concept of the evolution of physical characteristics was born.

Recommended Citation

Nelson, Joseph and Johnson, Jerald B. (2014) "Phenotypic Divergence of Boldness in Brachyrhaphis Fishes," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 727.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/727