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.

How did the Andes Mountains affect the dispersal of canids in South America?

What ecological opportunities did the canids find upon their arrival in South America?

In what ways did the Bush dog and the maned wolf adapt differently to their environments?