Data from: Introgressive hybridization in Darwin’s finches

Introgressive hybridization, that is hybridization with backcrossing, can lead to the fusion of two species, but it can also lead to evolution of a new trajectory through an enhancement of genetic variation in a new or changed ecological environment. On Daphne Major Island in the Galápagos archipelago approximately 1-2 per cent of Geospiza fortis breed with the resident G. scandens and with the rare immigrant species G. fuliginosa in each breeding season. Previous research has demonstrated morphological convergence of G. fortis and G. scandens over a thirty-year period as a result of bidirectional introgression. Here we examine the role of hybridization with G. fuliginosa in the evolutionary trajectory of G. fortis. G. fuliginosa (~12g) is smaller and has a more pointed beak than G. fortis (~17g). Genetic variation of the G. fortis population was increased by receiving genes more frequently from G. fuliginosa than from G. scandens (~21g). A severe drought in 2003-05 resulted in heavy and selective mortality of G. fortis with large beaks, and they became almost indistinguishable morphologically from G. fuliginosa. This was followed by continuing hybridization, a further decrease in beak size and a potential morphological fusion of the two species under entirely natural conditions.