Description
Book SynopsisUnderstanding the history and philosophy of biological systematics (phylogenetics, taxonomy and classification of living things) is key to successful practice of the discipline. In this thoroughly revised Third Edition of the classic Biological Systematics, Andrew V. Z. Brower and Randall T. Schuh provide an updated account of cladistic principles and techniques, emphasizing their empirical and epistemological clarity. Brower and Schuh cover: -the history and philosophy of systematics -the mechanics and methods of character analysis, phylogenetic inference, and evaluation of results -the practical application of systematic results to: -biological classification -adaptation and coevolution -biodiversity, and conservation -new chapters on species and molecular clocks Biological Systematics is both a textbook for students studying systematic biology and a desk reference for practicing systematists. Part explication of concepts and methods, part exploration of the underlying epistemology of systematics, This third edition addresses why some methods are more empirically sound than others.
Trade ReviewThis lovely book is a godsend to those of us who teach systematics. I believe that Biological Systematics is the best textbook currently available for courses focusing on the theory and practice of cladistics.
* Cladistics *
This is an excellent book. Written by a practicing systematist with a keen interest in the theoretical development of systematics, it has a blend of theory and empiricism that results in a very authoritative treatment. In total, I thoroughly recommend this book. It demands to be read as much for its readability as its content.
* Paleontological Association Newsletter *
Table of ContentsSection I: HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL BACKGROUND FOR SYSTEMATICS
1. Introduction to Systematics: First Principles and Practical Tools
2. Systematics and the Philosophy of Science
Section II: CLADISTIC METHODS
3. Characters and Character States
4. Character Polarity and Inferring Homology
5. Tree-Building Algorithms and Philosophies
6. Evaluating Results
Section III: APPLICATION OF CLADISTIC RESULTS
7. Species: Concepts, Recognition, and Analytical Problems
8. Nomenclature, Classifications, and SystematicDatabases
9. The Integration of Phylogenetics, Historical Biogeography, and Host-Parasite Coevolution
10. Evaluating Hypothetical Scenarios of Evolution,Ecology and Adaptation
11. Understanding Molecular Clocks and Time Trees
12. Biodiversity and Conservation
Postscript: Parsimony and the Future of Systematics
