🪶 Reflections from the Fuegian Forest: Chance, Genetics, or Evolution?
- Marcelo de Cruz
- Oct 29
- 2 min read
Yesterday, during the Birding in Tierra del Fuego tour, we once again spotted a female woodpecker that truly caught our attention. Jon Green managed to photograph her, and in that image we see not only the beauty of nature, but perhaps also the beauty of genetics.Conversations with our guests sparked questions, theories, and reflections. What explains this variation? Is it a rare occurrence? A glimpse of evolution in action? As Einstein once said: “God plays dice with the universe.” Perhaps that’s what happened here. And perhaps those of us who love nature and study it through observation might say:
🧬 Possible Genetic Causes
• Partial or intermediate sexual dimorphismAlthough in this species the male has a fully red head and the female a black head with a small reddish area at the base of the bill, some individuals may show intermediate traits. This can occur due to natural genetic variation.
• Genetic mutationA mutation in the genes that regulate pigment expression could lead to abnormal coloration. This may affect the distribution of melanin (black) and carotenoids (red).• Sexual mosaicism (gynandromorphism)In birds, it is possible for an individual to have cells with different sex chromosomes in different parts of the body. This can result in a mixed appearance—for example, half male and half female. Although rare, it has been documented in other woodpecker species.Encounters like this remind us that every bird is a universe, and that careful observation can open doors to questions far beyond plumage. Thank you to everyone who shared this moment, and to Jon for capturing the image that immortalized it.
Don’t miss the adventure of observing nature and discovering new Dharmas with Magellanic Nature Tours and the Birding in Tierra del Fuego tour. 🌿
18 s
Comments