RE: Cladistics algorithm?

[Rich Grenyer <r.grenyer@ic.ac.uk>]

> However, the topic you are discussing is one of computer science and/or
> computational phylogenetics, and not dinosaur science per se.  You should
> seek out the various systematic discussion groups or computational science
> groups for those details.


Is this true? I know this list is volatile, and that 
cladistic/anti-cladistic/partially-cladistic/my-version-of-cladistic 
threads start up as soon as you look at them, but cladistics has had 
such an impact of dinosaurian phylogenetics and, hopefully, will 
continue to do so, that surely asking what the programs actually _do_ 
is fair game? Is it likely anyone is going to initiate an in-depth 
discussion on ACCTRAN/DELTRAN optimisations, Dollo, Wagner or Fitch 
parsimony or Farris' Parsimony Jacknife? Goloboff's Ratchet 
implimentations? I hope not, because there are other lists better 
suited (and less interesting). But surely someone asking what 
fundamental cladistic algorithms actually _do_ is worthy of a reply 
and some pointers?

'Cos if not it just looks more and more like a black box, doesn't it?

Just my 2¤  's

Rich

--
______________________________________________
Rich Grenyer

Mammalian Evolution and Conservation
Biology Department
Imperial College at Silwood Park
Sunningdale
Berkshire
SL5 7PY

Telephone: +00 44 (0)20 7594 2328
Fax:            +00 44 (0)20 7594 2339
email: r.grenyer@ic.ac.uk
______________________________________________