Darwin's Dreampond

摘要

The radiations of Darwin's finches and hon-eycreepers pale in comparison with cichlid radiations. These are the most spectacular in the world, giving the impression of having been created by a masterly magician who now and then feels the urge to outdo himself. A handful of cichlid species go into the hat and every time, without fail, dozens or even hundreds come out—displaying the most unlikely shapes, colors, and behavior. (The trick could also be performed using other species, such as catfish, snails, ostracods, or sponges, all with smaller radiations.)