Phylogenetic pattern and the quantification of organismal biodiversity

摘要: Biodiversity can be explored at a number of different levels and in principle may separately quantified each. Phylogenetic pattern has the potential to quantify estimate biodiversity finest scale, that is, variation among species features or attributes. This scale is an important one for conservation, as it should form basis prioritizing conservation efforts level. Further, recent published objections differentially weighting are answered by defining option value this feature-level. Unfortunately, there been no consensus on exactly how phylogeny used species, possibly because proper consideration link between underlying generally unresolved. `Phylogenetic diversity' (PD) represents just several approaches do consider diversity feature-level explicitly. These alternative discussed context general framework using level below original objects. The highlights estimation lower will require decisions about nature units diversity, kind used, model relating unit items pattern, finally implies pattern-based measure reflecting biodiversity. An particular phylogenetic considered, shown make unwarranted assumptions. A possible definition examined, which represent value, also quantifiable phylogeny. tree prediction feature discussed. appeal these depends goals conservation; addition, justification requires any practical approach avoid arbitrary, unwarranted,