Neutral Models in Biology

by Matthew H. Nitecki (Editor), Antoni Hoffman (Editor)

Overview

Neutral models are constructed to help scientists understand complex patterns of form, structure, or behavior that may not be observed directly. In this unique volume, eight distinguished scientists present a comprehensive study of the use of neutral models in testing biological theories. They describe the principles of model testing and explore how they are applied to research in molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and paleontology. In addition to the editors, the contributors include Stephen Stigler, David Raup, Paul Harvey, L.B. Slobodkin, Stuart Kauffman, William Wimsatt, and James Crow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195364071
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/31/1987
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw

Table of Contents

Introduction: Neutral Models as a Biological Strategy, Matthew H. Nitecki and Antoni HoffmanPART I: Molecular and Genetic Models1. Neutral Models in Molecular Evolution, James F. Crow, University of Wisconsin2. False Models as Means to Truer Theories, William C. Wimsatt, University of Chicago3. Self Organization, Selective Adaptation, and Its Limits: A New Pattern of Inference in Evolution and Development, Stuart A. Kauffman, University of PennsylvaniaPART II: Ecological Models4. How to be Objective in Community Studies, L.B. Slobodkin, State University of New York at Stony Brook5. On the Use of Null Hypotheses in Biogeography, Paul H. Harvey, University of OxfordPART III: Paleontological Models6. Neutral Models in Paleobiology, David M. Raup, University of Chicago7. Neutral Model of Taxonomic Diversification in the Phanerozoic: A Methodological Discussion, Antoni Hoffman, Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences8. Testing Hypotheses or Fitting Models: Another Look at Mass Extinctions, Stephen M. Stigler, University of Chicago

Editorial Reviews

"'Neutral' or 'null' models have convulsed several areas of evolutionary ecology in the last decade and generated debate so caustic that it has been reported in the lay press. Surprisingly, though particular areas have been examined, there has been no general review. This volume fills the void. . . .well written and nontechnical, and the book is engaging. . . .thoughtful and provocative." —American Scientist

"The book does contain a great diversity of expertise and viewpoints, from population geneticist to philosopher to ecologist, paleontologist and statistician, and from adherents to the benefits of neutral models to committed sceptics. . . .an important book." —Cladistics

From the Publisher