Conservation Priorities and Phylogenetic Pattern

摘要: Linder's (1995) comparison of alternative criteria for prioritizing species conservation suggests that maximizing "feature diversity" based on the phylogenetic diversity measure (PD; Faith 1992) is incompatible with other criteria. In his study a feature-diverse set from orchid genus Herschelia failed to capture habitat among these species. Further, included so-called "ephemeral" taxa arguably did not deserve high priority protection. Linder concluded assessment priorities in practice must take into account variety and Although there clearly need different value systems (World Conservation Union 1980), it useful identify degree which can be expected general conflict or agree. spirit, I focus here links used by Linder, show how reinforce role played pattern. One link apparent recent work incorporates probabilistic estimates vulnerability PD calculations (Witting & Loeschke 1995). Phylogenetic then do but together determine overall "expected" feature (Weitzman 1992; Walker 1995a). Weitzman (1992) presents an example phylogenetically distinctive highly vulnerable species, analogous ephemeral does represent best allocation limited resources protection if maximized. interpretation as illustrating incongruence between coincides results. There are many cases habitat-related (or functional) characters acquired independently taxonomic groups; no systematic sampling phylogeny ensure representative sample such characters. But reexamination