Analyzing hominin phylogeny: Cladistic approach

Abstract

An understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among organisms is critical for evaluating the evolutionary history of their adaptations and biogeography as well as forming the basis for systematics. As the numbers of hominin fossils and hominin taxa have increased over the past 40 years, controversies over phylogeny have expanded and have become a hallmark of paleoanthropology. Concordant with the rise in taxonomic diversity, the increased use of phylogenetic systematics, or cladistics, has provided a valuable tool for reconstructing hominin phylogeny. Despite the widespread view that hominin phylogeny is a source of endless debate, there is a broad consensus regarding many aspects of hominin phylogeny. References Ackermann RR, Cheverud JM (2000) Phenotypic covariance structure in tamarins (genus Saguinus): a comparison of variation patterns using matrix correlation and common principal component analysis. Am J Phys Anthropol 111:489-501