Coalescent Theory

An Introduction

First Edition

Publication Date: October 01, 2008

Paperback ISBN: 9780974707754

Pages: 352

Coalescent theory provides the foundation for molecular population genetics and genomics. It is the conceptual framework for studies of DNA sequence variation within species, and is the source of essential tools for making inferences about mutation, recombination, population structure and natural...

Paperback

Read and study in the print textbook.

Paperback

ISBN: 9780974707754
Coalescent Theory

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1. Gene Genealogies
2. Probability Theory
3. The Coalescent
4. Neutral Genetic Variation
5. The Structured Coalescent
6. Separation of Time Scales
7. Ancestral Graphs
8. Simulations and Inference
Bibliography
Index

"I think the level of math is just right for an important audience: the biologist, who, though not necessarily well trained in mathematics, has a taste for mathematical argument and is willing to apply him/herself a bit to get through it.... The case studies are a terrific feature.... I think many biologists will be greatly buoyed by these, and motivated to think deeper about the models and how they can be analyzed."
—Richard Hudson, University of Chicago

"John Wakeleys book impressively presents the fundamentals and advances of coalescent theory and marvelously bridges biology and mathematics. A must for everyone interested in ancestral population genetics."
—Martin Moehle, University of Duesseldorf

"This is a clear and comprehensive presentation of one of the most difficult areas of genetic evolution. Students and teachers will welcome this accessible treatment."
—Marcus Feldman, Stanford University

"The coalescent has come to dominate population genetics in recent years, and is widely applied to make sense of DNA sequence variation. For the first time, Wakeleys book provides a clear and accessible account of this key subject, which takes the reader right up to the frontiers of current research. It will be widely welcomed.”
—Nick Barton, University of Edinburgh

“John Wakeleys book is a timely blessing for researchers who want to learn the basic principles and many applications of coalescent theory. The book’s careful progression of concepts and ideas, together with an excellent selection of examples from the current literature, will lead the reader to a stage where she can appreciate and carry out—with some confidence—current research on the applications of coalescent theory.”
—Yuqun Luo, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

“This book is one of the few true bridges between mathematics and biology. Its crossing should be mandatory for everyone working in population genetics, whether biologist or mathematician.”
—Ellen Baake, Bielefeld University

John Wakeley

John Wakeley is Professor and Chairman of Biology at Harvard University. He has worked extensively in coalescent theory. His research has focussed on populations structured by geography and limited migration. Using coalescent models, Dr. Wakeley has addressed questions about the current and historical demography of humans and other species. In May 2004, Dr. Wakeley received a 2002 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.