Letter: Theory of evolution is not proved by finch beak 'blips'

Sir: Jonathan Weiner's report on a 'remarkable study of birds', based upon work on the Galapagos Islands, is nothing very new, nor original.

The humble English house sparrow was introduced to America in Central Park, Manhattan, in 1850, and reached California about 20 years later. By 1940, it had spread south of the Mexican Plateau and north to British Columbia. Sparrows in America have rapidly adapted to their new environment, becoming plump and dark in Vancouver and slim, pale sand-coloured birds in Death Valley, California. All this in less than 60 years.

Yours sincerely,

ROBIN CRAIG

St Margaret's Bay, Kent

11 July