An American study has thrown up an interesting possibility of 'speciation reversal' in which the, well-documented speciation process (driven by geographical isolation) has apparently resulted in two separate lines recombining (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/mar/02/two-become-one-two-raven-lineages-merge-in-speciation-reversal). The California and Holarctic ravens were found in different parts of North America (and thought to have separated some 2 million years ago) but wide-spread hybridisation seems to be recombining them into a single species. Although there are not many reports of such a process, it seems eminently possible if geographical isolation is removed. Of course, the possibility exists that the two populations never really merited being classified as separate species.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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