Shannon J. Hackett & John M. Bates

Hackett, S.J. & Bates, J.M. 1999. The analysis of molecular data in avian systematics: Problems and solutions. In: Adams, N.J. & Slotow, R.H. (eds) Proc. 22 Int. Ornithol. Congr., Durban: 731. Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa.

Use of molecular techniques and data is becoming common in evolutionary studies. Despite many advantages, such as the wealth of characters, there are issues to consider when estimating phylogenies from molecular data. These range from practical (Are the data correct?) to broader methodological and philosophical issues (distances, parsimony, likelihood, total evidence, weighting, consensus, rate variation, clocks, etc.). The goal of this symposium is to provide comparative biologists with a realistic picture of issues associated with gathering and analysing molecular data. We will also discuss proposed solutions to the problems these data present. A major focus of discussion will be on the consequences of variation in rates of molecular evolution. For example, if there is a molecular clock, how do we calibrate it? What are appropriate weighting schemes for phylogeny reconstruction? Does the relationship between structure and function of proteins influence estimating phylogenies from molecular data, and how can we use these relationships to improve resulting phylogenies? How does the rate of evolution in the non-coding mitochondrial control region compare to rates in protein-coding mitochondrial genes? When studying relationships among orders of birds, what are some problems associated with rooting molecular phylogenies?