Phylogenetics: Theory and Practice of Phylogenetic Systematics

by E.O. Wiley, Bruce S. Lieberman

The long-awaited revision of the industry standard on phylogenetics Since the publication of the first edition of this landmark volume more than twenty-five years ago, phylogenetic systematics has taken its place as the dominant paradigm of systematic biology. It has profoundly influenced the way scientists study evolution, and has seen many theoretical and technical advances as the field has continued to grow. It goes almost without saying that the next twenty-five years of phylogenetic research will prove as fascinating as the first, with many exciting developments yet to come. This new edition of Phylogenetics captures the very essence of this rapidly evolving discipline. Written for the practicing systematist and phylogeneticist, it addresses both the philosophical and technical issues of the field, as well as surveys general practices in taxonomy. Major sections of the book deal with the nature of species and higher taxa, homology and characters, trees and tree graphs, and biogeography―the purpose being to develop biologically relevant species, character, tree, and biogeographic concepts that can be applied fruitfully to phylogenetics. The book then turns its focus to phylogenetic trees, including an in-depth guide to tree-building algorithms. Additional coverage Providing a thorough synthesis of the field, this important update to Phylogenetics is essential for students and researchers in the areas of evolutionary biology, molecular evolution, genetics and evolutionary genetics, paleontology, physical anthropology, and zoology.

Genres: Science, Academic

432 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Douglas Perry, PhD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true masterpiece of scientific textbook scholarship and writing, Wiley's magnum opus is the ultimate introduction and lasting reference to phylogenetics. Surprisingly, few scientists--even biologists!--know much about the subject. Within the scientific community of biology, biologists often (though not universally) perceive molecular and cellular biology as highest in scientific and institutional prestige, evolutionary biology as highest in intellectual and conceptual prestige, and ecology as highest in social and moral prestige. Possibly lowest in this social prestige hierarchy is taxonomy, also known as systematics, because it is considered to be merely "cataloging," "classifying," or even "stamp collecting" (i.e., filling in empty spaces in a Tree of Life album). Yet modern taxonomy is driven by phylogenetics, which in turn forms the core of modern evolutionary theory. Knowing phylogenetics is essential to understanding evolutionary lineage and current biodiversity.

This book is not for the faint of heart! I recommend that the reader have an undergraduate degree in biology at the minimum.