Comparative methods in developmental biology

摘要: Summary The need for a phylogenetic framework is becoming appreciated in many areas of biology. Such has found limited use developmental studies. Our current research program therefore directed to applying comparative and methods data. In this paper, we examine the concepts underlying work, discuss potential difficulties, identify some solutions. While biologists frequently make cross-species comparisons, they usually adopt phenetic approach, whereby degrees overall similarity development are sought. Little emphasis placed on reconstructing evolutionary divergence characters. Indeed, have historically concentrated apparently ‘conserved’ or ‘universal’ mechanisms. Thus, there been little methodologies which analyse specialised features shared only within subset species (i.e., synapomorphies). We value such methodologies, argue that difficulties adapting them studies fall into three interlinked areas: One concerns nature definition Another difficulty identifying equivalent stages different species. Finally non-independence characters presents real problems under protocols. These not resolved. However, it clear application methodology data both necessary fundamental relationship between evolution development.