By David Baum - Tree Thinking: An Introduction to Phylogenetic Biology

by David A. Baum

Baum and Smith, both professors evolutionary biology and researchers in the field of systematics, present this highly accessible introduction to phylogenetics and its importance in modern biology. Ever since Darwin, the evolutionary histories of organisms have been portrayed in the form of branching trees or “phylogenies.” However, the broad significance of the phylogenetic trees has come to be appreciated only quite recently. Phylogenetics has myriad applications in biology, from discovering the features present in ancestral organisms, to finding the sources of invasive species and infectious diseases, to identifying our closest living (and extinct) hominid relatives. Taking a conceptual approach, Tree Thinking introduces readers to the interpretation of phylogenetic trees, how these trees can be reconstructed, and how they can be used to answer biological questions. Examples and vivid metaphors are incorporated throughout, and each chapter concludes with a set of problems, valuable for both students and teachers. Tree Thinking is must-have textbook for any student seeking a solid foundation in this fundamental area of evolutionary biology.

Genres: Science, Evolution, Biology, Textbooks, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[szymborskalyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty great primer but more applied examples would be good.

[TheBookChieft Dhakal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pertinent to the topic it is tackling.

[Lily Margeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

read for my systematics + biodiversity class. the analogies are all excellent; i can only hope that this serves as a systematics textbook for more classes than just mine.

[Rijan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pertinent to the topic it is tackling.

[1099 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly explained.
Better than any other book on this topic for those who are new to this field. Covers broad topics