Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics

by David P. Mindell

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780124983151
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	05/05/1997
Pages:	382
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Molecular Sequences and Evolutionary History in Birds:
T.W. Quinn, Molecular Evolution of the Mitochondrial Genome.
D.B. McDonald and W.K. Potts, DNA Microsatellites as Genetic Markers at Several Scales.
A.J. Baker and H.D. Marshall, Mitochondrial Control Region Sequences as Tools for Understanding Evolution.
W.S. Moore and V.R. DeFilippis, The Window of Taxonomic Resolution for Phylogenies Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome b.
P. Houde, A. Cooper, E. Leslie, A.E. Strand, and G.A. Montano, Phylogeny and Evolution of of 12S rDNA in Gruiformes (Aves).
D. Siegel-Causey, Phylogeny of the Pelacaniformes: Molecular Systematics of a Privative Group.
K. Lee, J. Feinstein, and J. Cracraft, The Phylogeny of Ratite Birds: Resolving Conflicts between Molecular and Morphological Data Sets.
D.P. Mindell, M.D. Sorenson, C.J. Huddleston, H.C. Miranda, Jr., A. Knight, S.J. Sawchuck, and T. Yuri, Phylogenetic Relationships among and within Select Avian Orders Based on Mitochondrial DNA.
Applying Phylogeny and Population Genetics to Broader Issues:
S.V. Edwards, Relevance of Microevolutionary Processes to Higher Level Molecular Systematics.
F.H. Sheldon and L.A. Whittingham, Phylogeny in Studies of Bird Ecology, Behavior, and Morphology.
R.M. Zink, Phylogeographic Studies of North American Birds.
M.S. Roy, J.M. Cardoso da Silva, P. Arctander, J. Garcia-Moreno and J. Fjeldsa, The Speciation of South American and African Birds in Montane Regions.
A. Cooper, Studies of Avian Ancient DNA: From Jurassic Park to Modern Island Extinctions.
Chapter References.
Subject Index.

Editorial Reviews

:"Provides insight into general mechanisms of evolutionary change across all taxonomic levels." —CHOICE

"This edited volume contains enough to keep ornithologists up far into the night, up-to-date, informative and often provocative ideas about molecular bird phylogenetics. David Mindell has done an admirable job of gathering together those, old and you, who have something interesting to say about avian molecular evolution and systematics. This volume signals a new, more collaborative approach to the subject." —1998 RECENT ORNITHOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS

"This new book on avian molecular systematics represents a cross section of topics, although it focuses on mitochondrial DNA sequences. It is not a textbook, but a collection of 13 papers that touch on many of the methodological issues of interest to molecular systematists. ...a well-edited volume that will be of interest to many ornithologists and molecular systematists." —AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST

"...the timing was right for a volume giving an overview of avian molecular systematics. Mindell has brought together authors working on taxa, concepts, and methods who represent a cross section of the field. The chapters are well written, address important issues, and provide an interesting set of case studies on avian phylogeny. Mindell's volume will provide a good benchmark for assessing future progress in the field. The overview of the field provided by Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics makes it useful both for graduate students looking for an introduction to the discipline, and for established avain systematists wanting a broad review or a single reference source. It would make a good choice for a graduate reading course, especially for programs with a strong bird orientation. The book also serves as a summary of bird molecular phylogeny for systematists working on other taxa, or for other ornithologists. Mindell's volume should help provide a strong footing for the next decade of avian molecular systematists." —SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY

From the Publisher

Active practitioners synthesize the current theory and practice in the converging studies of organismal phylogeny and evolution at the molecular level, discussing current controversies, demonstrating methods, reviewing new findings, and assessing directions for future research. In the section on molecular sequences and evolution history in birds, they explore the mitochondrial genome, DNA microsatellites as genetic markers at several sites, reconciling molecular and morphological data sets in ratite birds, and other topics. The other section considers the application of phylogeny and population genetics to broader issues, such as the speciation of South American and African birds in montane regions, and studies of ancient avian DNA from Jurassic Park to modern island extinctions. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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