Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics

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.

Contains authoritative contributions from leading researchersDiscusses the utility of different molecular markers for questions of avian evolution, involving populations and higher-level taxaApplies 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

Molecular Sequences and Evolutionary History in Birds:
T.W. Quinn, Molecular Evolution of the Mitochondrial Genome.
D.B. McDonald and W.K. Potts, DNA Microsatellites as Genetic Markers at Several Scales.
A.J. Baker and H.D. Marshall, Mitochondrial Control Region Sequences as Tools for Understanding Evolution.
W.S. Moore and V.R. DeFilippis, The Window of Taxonomic Resolution for Phylogenies Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome b.
P. Houde, A. Cooper, E. Leslie, A.E. Strand, and G.A. Montano, Phylogeny and Evolution of of 12S rDNA in Gruiformes (Aves).
D. Siegel-Causey, Phylogeny of the Pelacaniformes: Molecular Systematics of a Privative Group.
K. Lee, J. Feinstein, and J. Cracraft, The Phylogeny of Ratite Birds: Resolving Conflicts between Molecular and Morphological Data Sets.
D.P. Mindell, M.D. Sorenson, C.J. Huddleston, H.C. Miranda, Jr., A. Knight, S.J. Sawchuck, and T. Yuri, Phylogenetic Relationships among and within Select Avian Orders Based on Mitochondrial DNA.
Applying Phylogeny and Population Genetics to Broader Issues:
S.V. Edwards, Relevance of Microevolutionary Processes to Higher Level Molecular Systematics.
F.H. Sheldon and L.A. Whittingham, Phylogeny in Studies of Bird Ecology, Behavior, and Morphology.
R.M. Zink, Phylogeographic Studies of North American Birds.
M.S. Roy, J.M. Cardoso da Silva, P. Arctander, J. Garcia-Moreno and J. Fjeldsa, The Speciation of South American and African Birds in Montane Regions.
A. Cooper, Studies of Avian Ancient DNA: From Jurassic Park to Modern Island Extinctions.
Chapter References.
Subject Index.