Taxonomic Analysis in Biology : Computer, Models, and Databases

Contents: Preface. Introduction. Part I. Standard taxonomy: 1. Taxonomy: an information system for biology. 2. Taxonomic products. 3. Standard taxonomic analysis. Part II. Theoretical bases for taxonomic work: 4. Structure of taxonomic data. 5. Models and algorithms. III. Computer-assisted taxonomic analysis: 6. Character analysis. 7. Phenetic classification. 8. Diagrams of variation pattern. 9. Identification. 10. Phylogeny and cladistics. IV. Computer-assisted database management: 11. Database management. 12. Taxonomic databases. 13. Goals for the future. References. Index.

"For centuries taxonomists have provided an organizing and information management service to all biology, and have developed highly efficient methods like hierarchical classification, binomial nomenclature, and dichotomous keying. The new ubiquitous computer has augmented but not displaced traditional taxonomic methods and in so doing has increased the efficiency of these functions in systematic biology. 

Taxonomic Analysis in Biology is a unique book that describes both computer-aided and traditional methods. In order to present computer programs that will help taxonomists, and others who need to analyze and manage large data sets, the authors first define explicitly the process of taxonomy and develop mathematical models of it, which are discussed in simple, non-technical language. The book then gives practical methods for doing computer-assisted character selection, classification, identification, and diagramming. The authors offer many specific examples, and discuss the biological issues related to these taxonomic procedures.

The book also deals with methods of data storage and information retrieval that utilize computers ranging from mainframes to micros, and gives examples of these methods applied to the large database typical in taxonomy and systematics. A chapter covering the phylogenetic use of taxonomic information (cladistics) is included as well.

Written for those with no previous experience in taxonomy, Taxonomic Analysis in Biology is a practical guide for students, professionals, and others who need to use taxonomic information in biology or taxonomic methods in related disciplines."