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About this book
This important book explains how and when to use the comparative method, and how this approach complements other approaches to problem-solving in evolutionary biology.
Contents
The comparative method for studying adaptation; Why worry about phylogeny?; Reconstructing phylogenetic trees and ancestral character states; Comparative analysis of discrete data; Comparative analysis of continuous variables; Determining the form of comparative relationships; Conclusion; References
Customer Reviews
By: PH Harvey and MD Pagel
248 pages, 51 figs, tabs
Presents a clear and concise account of the major advances forming the 'new comparative method' . . . Harvey and Pagel's compelling survey . . . provides the basis for new and deeper insights into the origin and maintenance of organic diversity. --Science
"An authoritative and remarkably up-to-date account of the many comparative methods which have recently been put into print. . . .It is the sort of book to stimulate thinking and debate, and would be excellent material for a graduate discussion series." --The Times Higher Education Supplement
"Well written. . . .It will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of most evolutionary biologists." --American Journal of Physical Anthropology
"Clearly describes both the nature of hypotheses and data in comparative biology and the ways in which the historical patterns and processes of evolution influence the quantatative methods used to gather and analyze data that, in turn, inform the hypotheses." --American Scientist