Synopsis
The Phylogenetic Handbook is a broad introduction to the theory and practice of nucleotide and amino acid phylogenetic analysis. As a unique feature of this book, each chapter contains an extensive practical section, in which step-by-step exercises on real data sets introduce the reader to the most widely-used phylogeny software including CLUSTAL, PHYLIP, PAUP*, DAMBE, TREE-PUZZLE, TREECON, SplitsTree, TreeView, SimPlot, MEGA2, PAML, and BOOTSCANNING. Chapters 1-10 provide a strong background in basic topics such as the use of sequence databases, alignment algorithms, tree-building methods, estimation of genetic distances, and testing models of evolution. Additional chapters briefly survey special topics in evolution, for example modelling evolution with networks, studying recombination, testing for positive selection, and methods in population genetics. The book will be an invaluable resource for advanced level undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for professionals working in the fields of molecular biology and evolution.
Review
'... a good buy ...'. Plant Systematics & Evolution
'Given the problems associated with traditional phylogenetic approaches in bacteria and many fungi, the book is a timely one, and a wide range of scientists will find much aid within. The book starts with an extremely well-written and rather welcome introduction to the basic concepts of molecular evolution ... The text avoids getting bogged down in the minutiae of these approaches, a good indication of the concise and clear writing that the authors employ throughout. The impression is of an extremely well-edited guide. ... this is a very useful introduction to the subject of phylogenetics, with chapters written by acknowledged experts in the field, and a well-thought out concept of practical sections for familiarisation with the main phylogenetic software packages. ... We are sure that our copy will become increasingly well-thumbed as a reference source.' Bibliography of Systematic Mycology
'It is wide-ranging enough to be a worthwhile introduction to phylogenetic analysis, without getting lost in too much detail ...'. Systematic Biology
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