Overview

From Darwin onward, it has been second nature for evolutionary biologists to think comparatively because comparisons establish the generality of evolutionary phenomena. Do large genomes slow down development? What lifestyles select for large brains? Are extinction rates related to body size? These are all questions for the comparative method, and this book is about how such questions can be answered. The first chapter elaborates on suitable questions for the comparative approach and shows how it complements other approaches to problem-solving in evolution. The second chapter identifies the biological causes of similarity among closely related species for almost any observed character. The third chapter discusses methods for reconstructing phylogenetic trees and ancestral character states. The fourth chapter sets out to develop statistical tests that will determine whether different characters that exist in discrete states show evidence for correlated evolution. Chapter 5 turns to comparative analyses of continuously varying characters. Chapter 6 looks at allometry to exemplify the themes and methods discussed earlier, while the last chapter looks to future development of the comparative approach in both molecular and organismic biology.

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9780198546405

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<br> 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<p><br> 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<p><br> Well written. . . .It will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of most evolutionary biologists. --American Journal of Physical Anthropology<p><br> 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<p><br>

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

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<br> 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<br> Well written. . . .It will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of most evolutionary biologists. --American Journal of Physical Anthropology<br> 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<br>

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