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Title:	Seeing the Forest for the Trees: The Limitations of Phylogenies in Comparative Biology
Author:	Losos, Jonathan
Citation:	Losos, Jonathan B. 2011. Seeing the forest for the trees: The limitations of phylogenies in comparative biology. American Naturalist 177(6): 709-727.
Full Text & Related Files:	Losos_Seeing.doc (1.851Mb; Microsoft Word)  Losos_Seeing.pdf (2.018Mb; PDF)
Abstract:	The last 30 years have seen a revolution in comparative biology. Prior to that time, systematics was not at the forefront of the biological sciences, and few scientists considered phylogenetic relationships when investigating evolutionary questions. By contrast, systematic biology is now one of the most vigorous disciplines in biology, and the use of phylogenies is not only requisite in macroevolutionary studies, but has been applied to a wide range of topics and fields that no one could possibly have envisioned 30 years ago. My message is simple: phylogenies are fundamental to comparative biology, but they are not the be all and end all. Phylogenies are powerful tools for understanding the past, but like any tool, they have their limitations. In addition, phylogenies are much more informative about pattern than they are about process. The best way to fully understand the past—both pattern and process—is to integrate phylogenies with other types of historical data as well as with direct studies of evolutionary process.
Published Version:	doi:10.1086/660020
Terms of Use:	This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP
Citable link to this page:	http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:9751933

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  Peer reviewed scholarly articles from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University

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