Methodological Issues in Modern Track Analysis

作者：Escalante Tania^*; Noguera Urbano Elkin A; Pimentel Bruno; Aguado Bautista Oscar

来源：Evolutionary Biology, 2017, 44(2): 284-293.

DOI：10.1007/s11692-016-9401-8

• Algorithms
• Graph theory
• Generalized tracks
• Individual tracks
• Nodes
• Panbiogeography

Track analysis is the core of panbiogeographic analysis. In this work, we reflect on the formalization of track analysis, its methodological issues, and interpretations by using new software developments and from a contemporary evolutionary biogeographical viewpoint. From a geometric perspective, we analyze the meaning of a minimal spanning tree, considering that Prim's algorithm is the most commonly used to draw individual tracks. We then show the existing methodologies (graphs, PAE, combined method, AE) and software packages (Trazos2004, Croizat, Martitracks, fossil) used to perform track analysis. Finally, we illustrate a track analysis using Nearctic mammals as an example. Based on our review, connectivity matrix analysis may be the best way to associate individual tracks into generalized tracks because it compares the minimal spanning tree topologies. However, it is the most demanding of all methods, since it requires a high spatial congruence among species, and therefore more algorithmic development.

• 出版日期2017-6