Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics
By addebook • Jun 23rd, 2008 • Category: Biology
Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics
By David P. Mindell
Publisher: Academic Press
Number Of Pages: 382
Publication Date: 1997-05-05
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0124983154
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780124983151
Binding: Hardcover
The use of DNA and other biological macromolecules has revolutionized systematic studies of evolutionary history. Methods that use sequences of nucleotides and amino acids are now routinely used as data for addressing evolutionary questions that, although not new questions, have defied description and analysis. The world-renowned contributors use these new methods to unravel particular aspects of the evolutionary history of birds. Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics presents an overview of the theory and application of molecular systematics, focusing on the phylogeny and evolutionary biology of birds. New, developing areas in the phylogeny of birds at multiple taxonomic areas are covered, as well as methods of analysis for molecular data, evolutionary genetics within and between bird populations, and the application of molecular-based phylogenies to broader questions of evolution.
Key Features
* Contains authoritative contributions from leading researchers
* Discusses the utility of different molecular markers for questions of avian evolution, involving populations and higher-level taxa
* Applies molecular-based phylogenies of birds and molecular population genetics data to broad questions of organismal and molecular evolution.
* Compares and contrasts molecular and morphological data sets
Summary: Indispensable for Avian molecular biologists
Rating: 4
‘Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics’ provides students and researches alike with an unparalleled review of avian molecular techniques in sytematics and phylogenetics. David P. Mindell has compiled an authoritative collection of contributions from ornithologists and molecular biologists that cover both theoretical and practical applications. The chapters trace the theory behind the altered gene order of avian mtDNA and provide informative reviews of the utility of mtDNA genes in systematics, phylogeny, phylogeography and deciphering patterns of avian evolution. In addition to covering mtDNA a chapter is included on the theory and application of microsatellites, a relatively new technique to molecular biology. It is however unfortunate that there are not more avian microsatellite examples besides that which covers relatedness between cooperative displaying male manakins. However the author does include other applications of microsatellite data (quantitative gene flow and genetic variation) using gray seals and bighorn sheep as examples. This book ends with a chapter on ancient DNA that reviews some of the more commonly used extraction procedures for ancient DNA and again provides examples covering systematics and paleoecology. Although the chapters do cover some molecular procedures the book does not serve as a laboratory guideline to working with avian DNA, rather it covers the more interesting theoretical aspects of avian speciation and evolution. In general ‘Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics’ is indispensable for the avian molecular biologist who is interested in phylogenetics, systematics and the evolution of behavior.
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