A New Statistical Approach to Geographic Variation Analysis

摘要: The authors discuss the problems of describing geographic variation data and develop statistical methods for categorizing sets populations sampled from different localities. general approach simultaneous test procedures, available with a variety tests continuous as well categorical data, is employed these techniques. Geographical regions are defined connected localities, connectedness being geometrically. Maximal acceptahle localities (defined regions) or coarsest acceptable partitions entire set found by procedures. These illustrated several examples. I. AIMS AND PURPOSES primary aim anialysis in biological systematics description summarization patterns covariation characteristics organisms that distributed over an area. Such analyses generally applied to species study diverse characters. most frequently studied characters morphological, but recently there have also been such studies biochemical, physiological, behavioral, cytological, immunological, genetic basis rests on existence comparable at number area under study. Comparisons made terms one more observable relate comparisons differences location. Data consist samples taken given observed each organism sampled. Summary statistics may be computed sample, as, example, means standard deviations single measurable characteristics, correlations pairs variables, etc. A summary would then list accompanied its characteristics. In cases, infornation difficult grasp much gained plotting map (or maps) according their graphic representation often reveals good deal about pattern involved. step beyond mere categorization. Usually, prefers group together geographically adjacent whose similar This desired merely purposes simplification summarization, formal semi-formal recognition population series Linnean system. will lead causal ana:lysis. One attempt interpret variational correlational adaptations known environmental factors, climatic, topographic, edaphic variables. Other possible causes associated populations, host plants, parasites, predators, Marked abrupt changes between close related above strong barriers dispersal secondary zones intergradation allopatrically differentiated populations. Unusual