AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

The Phylogenetic Approach to Avian Life Histories: An Important Complement to within-Population Studies

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2000
Authors:Winkler, DW
Journal:The Condor
Volume:102
Issue:1
Date Published:2000
ISBN Number:00105422
Keywords:Hirundinidae, Hirundo, Hirundo rustica
Abstract:In recent years, two approaches have emerged for the analysis of character evolution: the largely statistical "convergence" approach and the mainly cladistic "homology" approach. I discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches as they apply to phylogenetic analyses of life-history variation in birds. Using examples from analyses of character variation in swallows, I suggest that the phylogenetic approach yields distinctive insights into the selective role of the environment and other characters of the organism on the evolution of life-history traits. This view thus has the potential of bringing together micro- and macro-evolutionary views of life-history evolution.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/1370407
Short Title:The Condor
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith