Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica
$85.00
Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica is a museum-quality Small Tree-Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) skull replica cast from CAS:ORN:86843 adult male specimen. Includes separate cranium and mandible.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica is museum-grade polyurethane resin cast from CAS:ORN:86843 specimen. Camarhynchus parvulus 1:1 scale (life-size). Measures 0.70″L x 0.45″W x 0.40″H. California Academy of Sciences; Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, San Cristóbal Island, Wreck Bay; 09 Feb 1967; Field# RIB1605; Adult male. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). Made in USA.
Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica Dimensions
- Length: 0.70 inches (1.78 cm)
- Width: 0.45 inches (1.14 cm)
- Height (Cranium and Mandible): 0.40 inches (1.02 cm)
- Scale: 1:1 scale (life-size)
- Replica Weight (Net): 0.05 oz (1.4 g)
- Shipping Weight (Gross): 2.0 lbs (907.2 g)
The Anatomy of the Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica
The Small Tree-Finch is the most common and widespread of the Galápagos tree-finches. The California Academy of Sciences maintains specimens that showcase the dainty cranial adaptations required for a primarily insectivorous diet. Below are the unique features of this small arboreal specialist.
Small Tree-Finch Skull Replica Delicate Probing Morphology
In mature males such as the CAS specimen, the bill is notably small and rounded. Furthermore, this structure provides a precise tool for gleaning insects from foliage. The bill is slightly curved on both upper and lower edges and is typically longer than it is deep. Unlike the heavier beaks of ground finches, this morphology is optimized for agility and precision.
The Sharp-Billed Insectivore
The skull features a sharper, grasping bill designed primarily for capturing arthropods. Consequently, this allows the bird to forage efficiently within the humid highland forests. While it is primarily an insect-eater, its versatile beak also enables it to consume nectar, fruits, and seeds when necessary.
Multi-Functional Beak Adaptation
The cranium reveals a beak morphology that is the smallest among the tree-finch lineage. In addition, this size allows the finch to occupy a unique ecological niche, reducing competition with its larger relatives. The proportionately short and weak jaw structure is specialized for processing soft-bodied prey rather than hard seeds.
Small Tree-Finch Arboreal Evolution
The slightly arched culmen is a vital structural adaptation for its niche in the Scalesia forest canopy. Notably, this distinct silhouette is frequently contrasted with the Small Ground-Finch to demonstrate divergent evolution between tree and ground dwellers. This specimen represents the most abundant and adaptable species within the Camarhynchus genus.
Small Tree-Finch Scientific Facts:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Camarhynchus
- Species: C. parvulus
- Binomial name: Camarhynchus parvulus (Gould, 1837)
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
While the Small Tree-Finch features a small, grasping beak optimized for gleaning insects from foliage, the Common Cactus-Finch possesses a long, decurved bill specialized for feeding on the flowers and fruits of the Opuntia cactus.
The complete set of twelve Darwin’s Finches skulls allows for a side-by-side comparison of beak adaptations, illustrating how different species evolved unique beak shapes for specialized diets.
Additional information
| Weight | 2.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.70 × 0.45 × 0.40 in |
