The taxonomic rank of Spizella taverneri: a response to Mayr and Johnson

Article Abstract:

A review of the classification of Spizella taverneri and its relation to Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) is presented. It is argued that there is sufficient biological evidence to classify taverneri as a separate species.

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Cultural evolution in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow: divergence between introduced and ancestral populations

Article Abstract:

A study on the cultural evolution in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow was conducted to determine the divergence between their introduced and ancestral populations. Results of the introduced and ancestral populations showed divergence in the level of meme sharing. Furthermore, estimates of mutational divergence according to the frequencies of song memes in meme pools showed significant population structure. This divergence is manifested in the loss of shared syllable types during the species' introduction to North America and the time of sampling.

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Evidence supporting the recent origin and species status of the timberline sparrow

Article Abstract:

The taxonomic status of the Timberline Sparrow (Spizella taverneri) is controversial and it is currently classified as a sub-species of the Brewer's Sparrow. A new study investigates the morphological and molecular characteristics of the two species and concludes that the taxa are distinct. It is suggested that Spizella taverneri be recognized as a species.

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