The amount of information that can be obtained by using moleculartechniques in evolution, systematics and ecology has increasedexponentially over the last ten years. The need for more rapid andefficient methods of data acquisition and analysis is growingaccordingly.This manual presents some of the most important techniques for dataacquisition developed over the last years. The choice and justificationof data analysis techniques is also an important and critical aspect ofmodern phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis and so a considerable partof this volume addresses this important subject. The book is mainlywritten for students and researchers from evolutionary biology in searchfor methods to acquire data, but also from molecular biology who mightbe looking for information on how data are analyzed in an evolutionarycontext.To aid the user, information on web-located sites is included whereverpossible. Approaches that will push the amount of information whichsystematics 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.
