Cladistics: A Guide to Biological Classification: 88 (Systematics Association Special Volume Series, Series Number 88)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 3, 8/6/2020
EAN 9781107008106, ISBN10: 1107008107
Hardcover, 452 pages, 24.8 x 19 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
This new edition of a foundational text presents a contemporary review of cladistics, as applied to biological classification. It provides a comprehensive account of the past fifty years of discussion on the relationship between classification, phylogeny and evolution. It covers cladistics in the era of molecular data, detailing new advances and ideas that have emerged over the last twenty-five years. Written in an accessible style by internationally renowned authors in the field, readers are straightforwardly guided through fundamental principles and terminology. Simple worked examples and easy-to-understand diagrams also help readers navigate complex problems that have perplexed scientists for centuries. This practical guide is an essential addition for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in taxonomy, systematics, comparative biology, evolutionary biology and molecular biology.
Part I. The Interrelationships of Organisms
1. What this book is about
2. Classification
Part II. Systematics
Exposing Myths
3. Relationship diagrams
4. Essentialism and typology
5. Monothetic and polythetic taxa
6. Non-taxa or the absence of –phyly
paraphyly and aphyly
Part III. The Cladistic Programme
7. Parameters of classification
ordo ab chao
Part IV. How to Study Classification
8. Modern artificial methods and raw data
9. How to study classification
consensus techniques and general classifications
10. How to study classification – 'total evidence' vs 'consensus', character congruence vs taxonomic congruence, simultaneous analysis vs partitioned data
11. How to study classification
natural methods I – consensus revisited
12. How to study classification
natural methods II – beyond method, the philosophy of three-item analysis
Part V. Beyond Classification
13. Beyond classification
how to study phylogeny
14. The separation of classification and phylogenetics
15. Further myths and misunderstandings.