Phylogeny and Conservation

[Russell Seymour]

Dear Taxacomers

I have been asked to give a one hour lecture for a masters level course in
Environmental Science entitled "Phylogeny and Conservation". Many, but not
all, of the students are biologists by their first degrees; others are
predominantly geographers and geologists but there is the odd
anthropologist and social scientist thrown in - a real mixed bag! Even of
the biologists few will have done any systematics before.

I plan to briefly introduce terminology and basic principles of phylogeny
reconstruction; a little on species concepts; the 'agony of choice' reserve
selection procedure; and molecular markers as conservation tools. A few
case studies will also be introduced. Some of this content will get only
cursory attention and a full reference list will be supplied.

My question is to ask for comments on this and for advice from anyone who
has given a similar lecture. Can you suggest any case studies or useful
references? Is there an important area I have missed out?

I await your responses (Please respond directly to me - rss at nhm.ac.uk -
rather than to the list).

Thankyou

RUSS

_________________________________________________________________

Russell Seymour
PhD Research Student
Conservation Genetics Group     and     Durrell Institute of
Institute of Zoology                    Conservation and Ecology
Zoological Society of London            University of Kent
Regents Park                            UK
London
Tel: + (0)171 449 6621