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COMPUTER SIMULATION OF CERTAIN FORMS OF EVOLUTIONARY CHANGE: A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Author(s) -
Davidson Robert A.,
Dunn Rosalie A.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
taxon
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1996-8175
pISSN - 0040-0262
DOI - 10.2307/1216143
Subject(s) - taxon , discriminant , discriminant function analysis , function (biology) , multivariate statistics , computer science , artificial intelligence , test (biology) , machine learning , evolutionary biology , ecology , biology
Summary A 3‐dimensional model based upon a modified discriminant function analysis is considered to be a valuable aid to concepts of evolutionary relations between Froelichia (cottonweed; A maranthaceae ) species. To test whether the model's configuration is a reflection of multivariate relationships rather than merely an artefact, a computer program was designed to simulate the kind of evolutionary change which characterizes Froelichia and many other “closely related” taxa. A 3‐dimensional discriminant function model based upon five simulated taxa accurately portrayed the relationships programmed. This result, plus others not cited here, are taken as initial support for the validity of such models when applied to real biological objects.