Distance Analysis in Biology

Abstract

<it>Distance analysis in biology. Syst Zool, 21:174–186.</it>—The mathematical relationships between generalized distances, Sokal's distances, distances based upon principal components, and Cavalli-Sforza and Edwards' chord distances are discussed, and the biological consequences of these relationships in the case of nontrivial correlation matrices are pointed out. While none of the techniques discussed are wholly satisfactory, a practical solution to the problems encountered in their deployment is suggested which combines two of the techniques (generalized distances and principal components).