|
Phylogeny and Classification of the Birds: A Study in Molecular Evolution | 
 enlarge | Authors: Dr. Charles G. Sibley, Dr. Jon E. Ahlquist
Publisher: Yale University Press
Buy New: $175.00
New (4) Used (7) from $151.62
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 1080
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.3
Dimensions (in): 10.1 x 7.4 x 2.2
ISBN: 0300040857
Dewey Decimal Number: 598.238
EAN: 9780300040852
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
This book presents the results of a study of the evolutionary history and classification of living birds based on comparisons of the DNAs (genetic material) of about 1700 species. Sibley and Ahlquist's "DNA-DNA hybridization" technqiue is a biochemical method that measures the degree of genetic similarity between the DNAs of different species of other groups of organisms, but this book includes the largest set of DNA comparisons for any group. Divided into two sections, the book first covers the methodology used and then presents the phylogeny and classification of birds based on this method. The latter section provides a chronological survey of the classification of birds since Linnaeus (1758) and details for each group of birds since that time. The history of the classification of each order and family is reviewed, morphological chracters are noted, and evidence of the phylogeny and genetic relationships of each group is given. With 385 figures of DNA melting curves and phylogenetic trees, plus a bibliography, this book should be a valuable resource for ornithologists and other biologists.
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Fascinating if you can afford it! December 5, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book made a landmark in bird taxonomy when it was first released, and the detailed classification and scientific study makes for fascinating reading, if heavy. It changed my outlook on birds in many ways - explaining quirks of behaviour linking otherwise seemingly dissimilar species, and rationalising the most unlikely relationships. However, it suffers from the great problem dogging so many scientific or special-interest books: the price-tag. You could buy five other useful books for the price of this one. But if it's a resource you need or want, it won't disappoint.
 hard work but worth it April 15, 2000
Richard Laven (Dumfries Scotland)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
An amazing bit of scientific research based on a new way of assessing the taxonomic relationship of the birds. Still not completely accepted by the birder community but it should be. I just wish they'd release a less scientifically weighty version. Who needs all those melting point curves!
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
top