9720641 Martins The "comparative method" is used throughout biology to uncover historical patterns across diverse groups of organisms. Today, it is widely accepted that any statistical analysis of comparative or interspecific data should be conducted in a phylogenetic context. Although several phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) have been developed for conducting such analyses, these methods suffer from a number of technical problems which make them difficult to apply. In this project, Emilia Martins and colleagues will use computer simulation and theoretical development to correct several of the statistical difficulties involved in the application of PCMs. They will also continue development of a package of computer programs, COMPARE, which will make PCMs freely accessible to all biologists over the internet. The primary goal of the education component of this project is to expose undergraduates to research. This will be done by 1) further developing our summer program for minority undergraduates in biology, 2) developing the use of the internet to allow undergraduates in my courses to interact with researchers from other campuses, and 3) expanding a course on phylogenetics to include a project in which the students collect and analyze data and prepare the results for publication in a scientific journal.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9720641
Program Officer
James E. Rodman
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1998-08-01
Budget End
2001-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
$349,998
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Oregon Eugene
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Eugene
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97403