Re: New mammalian clade names

[Rich Grenyer <r.grenyer@ic.ac.uk>]

> In all this discussion, I find myself somewhat in over my head..
>
> Can someone suggest a good text on taxonomy and cladistics, suitable for a
> soon-to-be-graduate? :)


Sure:

For contemporary phylogenetics in general, including tree building, 
and giving a good idea of where molecular phylogenetics is going and 
what it's capable of try either:

Page, R. D. M. & Holmes, E. C., Molecular Evolution: A Phylogenetic 
Approach, 1998, Blackwell Science .

ISBN: 0-86542-889-1
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0865428891/qid%3D968163408/104-4780346-1416701

or

Hillis, D. M, Moritz, C & Mable, B.K., Molecular Systematics. 1996. 
Sinauer Press.
ISBN: 0-87893-282-8
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0878932828/o/qid=968163550/sr=2-1/104-4780346-1416701

The molecular techniques are beginning to get a little outdated in 
the latter, but the tree-building and phylogenetics sections are 
first rate still.

For more pure cladism and phylogenetic reconstruction, try

Kitching, I. J., Forey, P, and Humpries, C. Cladistics - the theory 
and practice of parsimony analysis. 1998. Oxfrod University Press.

ISBN: 0-19850-138-2
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0198501382/qid=968163639/sr=1-1/104-4780346-1416701

which is pretty much the last word (at least, the last comprehensible 
and realistic word) in practical cladism.

or

Quicke, D. L. J. Principles and techniques of contemporary taxonomy. 
1993. Blackie Academic & Professional Books (Chapman & Hall).
ISBN: 0-7514-0020-3

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0751400203/qid=968163887/sr=1-1/104-4780346-1416701

Whilst getting a little dated, this is still one of the most succinct 
summaries both of methods of phylogenetic reconstruction (both 
cladistic and pre-cladistic) and their application towards 
contemporary taxonomy that I know of.

If you really want a challenge, you could try getting hold of a copy 
of the now sadly out of print "Compleat Cladist" (sic!) by Wiley, 
Siegle-Causey, Brooks and Funk, I think this is best introduction 
I've ever come across, complete with exercises that take you right 
the way from start to finish. As to how to get it I don't have the 
faintest idea.

Hope this helps,


Rich Grenyer
--
______________________________________________
Rich Grenyer

Mammalian Evolution and Conservation
Biology Department
Imperial College at Silwood Park
Sunningdale
Berkshire
SL5 7PY

Telephone: +00 44 (0)20 7594 2328
Fax:            +00 44 (0)20 7594 2339
email: r.grenyer@ic.ac.uk
______________________________________________