[–] Dortex 1 point -1 points 0 points (+0|-1) ago
Yes it is. A bird was introduced into an island where it was less likely to reproduce due to the other species' sexual preferences. He managed the unlikely feat then his offspring selectively bred with each other to the exclusion of the island's native species; a key trait of Speciation.
[–] ZYX321 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago (edited ago)
And that the labradoodles have established a meaningful population.
Given the different behaviors and appearances of labradoodles to poodles or labs, I don't think it is as insignificant as you think.
Like most science, it is easy to imagine, but observing it happening in the wild is new. Additionally, in this case, the bird was not simply a mixture of the properties of the two parent species:
Edit: as dortex pointed out, that quote is regarding the new bird on the island that apparently flew in over a strait or something. Not the new offspring.
[–] Dortex 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Actually, that was one of the parent species. That bird bred with a native and made the hybrid.
[–] ZYX321 ago
Ah, you're right. When they're talking about the new beak morphologies it isn't clear if they mean specifically within the island or also including the "Big Bird" progeny itself. I have questions. :-)