Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics [Hardcover]

David P. Mindell (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 1997

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.

Key Features
* Contains authoritative contributions from leading researchers
* Discusses the utility of different molecular markers for questions of avian evolution, involving populations and higher-level taxa
* Applies molecular-based phylogenies of birds and molecular population genetics data to broad questions of organismal and molecular evolution.
* Compares and contrasts molecular and morphological data sets

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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 Back Cover

The use of molecular characters has had far-reaching impact on the study of hylogeny and evolution, enabling new approaches to long-standing questions. Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics presents an overview of the theory and application of molecular data, focusing on phylogeny and evolutionary biology of birds. Leading contributors use these relatively new tools to elucidate important episodes in the evolutionary history of birds. Authors discuss the evolution of molecular markers, ranging from microsatellite DNA sequences to gene arrangements, for a broad spectrum of species and taxonomic categories. Methodological issues in systematics are explored, and new data and phylogenetic analyses are presented. Authors also focus on application of molecular population genetics data and phylogenies to broader issues such as the evolution of behavior, speciation, and conservation biology. This book is intended for ornithologists and evolutionary biologists, including advanced undergraduate and molecular evolution.
Key Features
* Contains authoritative contributions from leading researchers
* Discusses the utility of different molecular markers for questions of avian evolution, involving populations and higher-level taxa
* Applies molecular-based phylogenies of birds and molecular population genetics data to broad questions of organismal and molecular evolution.
* Compares and contrasts molecular and morphological data sets

Product Details

• Hardcover: 382 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (May 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0124983154
• ISBN-13: 978-0124983151
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,782,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable for Avian molecular biologists, March 25, 2000

By 

Wayne Delport - See all my reviews

This review is from: Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics (Hardcover)

'Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics' provides students and researches alike with an unparalleled review of avian molecular techniques in sytematics and phylogenetics. David P. Mindell has compiled an authoritative collection of contributions from ornithologists and molecular biologists that cover both theoretical and practical applications. The chapters trace the theory behind the altered gene order of avian mtDNA and provide informative reviews of the utility of mtDNA genes in systematics, phylogeny, phylogeography and deciphering patterns of avian evolution. In addition to covering mtDNA a chapter is included on the theory and application of microsatellites, a relatively new technique to molecular biology. It is however unfortunate that there are not more avian microsatellite examples besides that which covers relatedness between cooperative displaying male manakins. However the author does include other applications of microsatellite data (quantitative gene flow and genetic variation) using gray seals and bighorn sheep as examples. This book ends with a chapter on ancient DNA that reviews some of the more commonly used extraction procedures for ancient DNA and again provides examples covering systematics and paleoecology. Although the chapters do cover some molecular procedures the book does not serve as a laboratory guideline to working with avian DNA, rather it covers the more interesting theoretical aspects of avian speciation and evolution. In general 'Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics' is indispensable for the avian molecular biologist who is interested in phylogenetics, systematics and the evolution of behavior.