Re: ASSORTED SUBJECTS

[chris brochu <cbrochu@fmppr.fmnh.org>]

>
>BEHAVIOR
>
>Behaviors can be very valid synapomorphies.  I can count many instances
>where behaviors have been used to link groups, such as stilts and
>flamingos and also define a group, such as the classical Coraciiformes.
>In ornithology behaviors as well as parasites, waxy secretions,
>biogeographic range, and other things are used instead of anatomy and
 *******************
>genetics to figure relations.


I hope not, since one of the basic assumptions of any algorithm-based
approach to phylogeny is that the characters are heritable.


chris


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Christopher Brochu

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Department of Geology
Field Museum of Natural History
Lake Shore Drive at Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL  60605  USA

phone:  312-922-9410, ext. 469
fax:  312-922-9566

cbrochu@fmppr.fmnh.org