MISSION 4 — Saving Hawaiian Treasure
You have more than likely heard about the famous Galápagos finches and how they help to illustrate a common pattern in evolution. You may not be as familiar with the honeycreepers of Hawaii, but their story is remarkably similar. In this level, you will again use DNA evidence to piece together a phylogenetic tree. Remember to use the outgroup to help you. Be careful, because from now on, you won’t need to use all of the traits provided.
Play "Saving Hawaiian treasure" and answer questions 5–8 after you've completed the level.
5-6. Click the button below to answer questions 5-6. Remember to refer to your completed tree and the species comparison tab if you are not sure of your answers.
7. When and how do scientists think that the common rosefinch came from Asia to Hawaii?
8. Geologists think that the Hawaiian Islands formed as the Pacific plate moved over a hotspot in Earth’s crust, where molten rock from the mantle made its way to the surface, as modeled below.
Would you expect a honeycreeper species that lives only on the island of Hawaii to have evolved before or after a honeycreeper species that lives on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu? Explain your answer.
