Darwin Missed An Example of Evolution Right Under His Nose

The video explores Charles Darwin's encounter with a unique fox species on San Pedro Island, which he collected for scientific study. This species, now known as Darwin's fox, is part of a diverse group of canids in South America. The video delves into the mystery of how these canids, which only arrived in South America recently, became so diverse. It explains the evolutionary journey of canids from North America, facilitated by the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. Recent genomic studies have revealed that all South American canids descended from a single ancestor, highlighting a rapid evolutionary radiation. The video also discusses the role of genomic analysis in uncovering the evolutionary history of these species.

What was the unique characteristic of the fox Darwin encountered on San Pedro Island?

• It had a unique fur pattern.

• It was nocturnal.

• It was more curious than wise.

• It was larger than other canids.

What event allowed canids to migrate into South America?

• The extinction of terror birds

• The Great American Biotic Interchange

• The formation of the Andes Mountains

• The Ice Age

How did scientists trace the evolutionary history of South American canids?

• By observing current canid behavior

• By comparing genomes of living species

• By analyzing ancient DNA

• By studying fossil records

What was the main barrier to canid dispersal in South America?

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Andes Mountains

• The Atacama Desert

• The Pampas Grasslands

Which two canid species are considered sister taxa despite their differences?

• The short-eared dog and the crab-eating fox

• The bush dog and Darwin's fox

• The maned wolf and the bush dog

• Darwin's fox and the crab-eating fox

What ecological role did the maned wolf adapt to?

• A hypercarnivore in dense forests

• A herbivore in wetlands

• An omnivore in tall grasslands

• A scavenger in deserts

How did the canids manage to thrive in South America?

• By outcompeting native marsupials

• By migrating to urban areas

• By filling unoccupied ecological niches

• By forming large packs