Techniques in Molecular Systematics and Evolution

The amount of information that can be obtained by using molecular techniques in evolution, systematics and ecology has increased exponentially over the last ten years. The need for more rapid and efficient methods of data acquisition and analysis is growing accordingly. This manual presents some of the most important techniques for data acquisition developed over the last years. The choice and justification of data analysis techniques is also an important and critical aspect of modern phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis and so a considerable part of this volume addresses this important subject. The book is mainly written for students and researchers from evolutionary biology in search for methods to acquire data, but also from molecular biology who might be looking for information on how data are analyzed in an evolutionary context. To aid the user, information on web-located sites is included wherever possible. Approaches that will push the amount of information which systematics will gather in the

I Analytical Methods.- to Part I.- 1 Phylogenetic Analysis: The Basic Method.- 2 Parsimony Analysis.- 3 Optimization Alignment: Down, Up, Error, and Improvements.- 4 Techniques for Analyzing Large Data Sets.- 5 Measures of Support.- 6 Partitioning of Multiple Data Sets in Phylogenetic Analysis.- 7 Complex Model Organism Genome Databases.- 8 Comparative Phylogenomics: A Strategy for High-throughput Large-scale Sub-genomic Sequencing Projects for Phylogenetic Analysis.- 9 Comparative Methods.- 10 Analyzing Data at the Population Level.- II Laboratory Methods.- to Part II.- 11 Obtaining, Storing and Archiving Specimens and Tissue Samples for Use in Molecular Studies.- 12 DNA Isolation Procedures.- 13 Late Pleistocene DNA Extraction and Analysis.- 14 PCR Methods and Approaches.- 15 High-Throughput DNA Sequencing for Systematics.- 16 A Practical Guide for Microsatellite Analysis.- 17 Determining the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Developmental Gene Expression in Vertebrates and Invertebrates Using in situ Hybridization Techniques.- Guide to Solutions.- Guide to protocols.- Troubleshooting Guide.