In evolutionary biology, a species flock is a diverse, primarily monophyletic, group of closely related species in an isolated area.
A species flock may arise when a species penetrates a new geographical area and diversifies to occupy a variety of ecological niches; this process is known as adaptive radiation. The first species flock to be recognized as such was the 13 species of Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands described by Charles Darwin.
A species flock may also arise when a species acquires an adaptation that allows it to exploit a new ecological niche.
All the members of a species flock usually share one or more synapomorphies.
Read more about Species Flock: Examples
Famous quotes containing the words species and/or flock:
“Prostitution is the most hideous of the afflictions produced by the unequal distribution of the world’s goods; this infamy stigmatizes the human species and bears witness against the social organization far more than does crime.”
—Flora Tristan (1803–1844)
“The pastor
of grief and dreams
guides his flock towards
the next field
with all his care.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)