Synopsis
'Phylogenetics' is the reconstruction and analysis of phylogenetic (evolutionary) trees and networks based on inherited characteristics. It is a flourishing area of intereaction between mathematics, statistics, computer science and biology.
The main role of phylogenetic techniques lies in evolutionary biology, where it is used to infer historical relationships between species. However, the methods are also relevant to a diverse range of fields including epidemiology, ecology, medicine, as well as linguistics and cognitive psychology
This graduate-level book, based on the authors lectures at The University of Canterbury, New Zealand, focuses on the mathematical aspects of phylogenetics. It brings together the central results of the field (providing proofs of the main theorem), outlines their biological significance,and indicates how algorithms may be derived. The presentation is self-contained and relies on discrete mathematics with some probability theory. A set of exercises and at least one specialist topic ends each chapter.
This book is intended for biologists interested in the mathematical theory behind phylogenetic methods, and for mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists eager to learn about this emerging area of discrete mathematics.
'Phylogenetics' in the 24th volume in the Oxford Lecture Series in Mathematics and its Applications. This series contains short books suitable for graduate students and researchers who want a well-written account of mathematics that is fundamental to current to research. The series emphasises future directions of research and focuses on genuine applications of mathematics to finance, engineering and the physical and biological sciences.
Review
The authors' versatility in words, as well as in mathematics, makes reading this book altogether an enjoyable experience for the mathematically-inclined. (Systematic Biology)
The authors state in the preface that their intention is to provide "a reasonably self-contained overview of an expanding field". In our opinion, they certainly succeed in meeting that goal. (Systematic Biology)
All in all, this book should serve as an excellent mathematical introduction to phylogenetics for beginners and as a good reference for experts in the field. (Systematic Biology)
Concisely and clearly written, Phylogenetics is a must-read for mathematicians or computer scientists who wish to do research in molecular phylogenetics, computational biology and bioinformatics. I hope the book will attract powerful mathematicians into this exciting area of research. (TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution)
... this book provides a concise and lucid summary of the mathematics literature related to phylogenetics. (TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution)
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