Phylomemetics—Evolutionary Analysis beyond the Gene

Christopher J. Howe · Heather F. Windram

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Language and cultural evolution Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies Evolution and Genetic Dynamics

Abstract

Genes are propagated by error-prone copying, and the resulting variation provides the basis for phylogenetic reconstruction of evolutionary relationships. Horizontal gene transfer may be superimposed on a tree-like evolutionary pattern, with some relationships better depicted as networks. The copying of manuscripts by scribes is very similar to the replication of genes, and phylogenetic inference programs can be used directly for reconstructing the copying history of different versions of a manuscript text. Phylogenetic methods have also been used for some time to analyse the evolution of languages and the development of physical cultural artefacts. These studies can help to answer a range of anthropological questions. We propose the adoption of the term "phylomemetics" for phylogenetic analysis of reproducing non-genetic elements.

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References

1976The Selfish Gene 2003Language-tree divergence times support the Anatolian theory of Indo-European origin 2006Towards a unified science of cultural evolution 2009Language Phylogenies Reveal Expansion Pulses and Pauses in Pacific Settlement 2009Human language as a culturally transmitted replicator 2005Curious Parallels and Curious Connections—Phylogenetic Thinking in Biology and Historical Linguistics 2006Phylogenetic Methods and the Prehistory of Languages 2007Phylogenetics and Material Cultural Evolution

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