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Applied multivariate statistics has grown into a research area of almost unlimited potential in the natural sciences. The methods introduced in this book can successfully reduce masses of data to manageable and interpretable form. The authors give special attention to methods of robust estimation and the identification of atypical and influential observations. This textbook aims to introduce students of the natural sciences to the powerful technique of factor analysis and to provide them with the background necessary to be able to undertake analyses on their own. The authors explain new concepts in detail, and provide mathematical background where needed. (view table of contents)

For the first time a book is available which is devoted to the analysis of multidimensional variability in fossils and deals with the application of multivariate statistical methods to problems of palaeobiology. Presents important new statistical methods for analysing particular problems occurring in biology. Questions of ecology, systematics, quantitative genetics, biostratigraphy and evolutionary biology amenable to quantitative analysis are fully considered. This multivariate primer introduces new but little known methods in a practical format. Methods for applying quantitative genetics to evolution in the phenotype appear with examples and caveats, together with exercises and problems to expand and exemplify difficult concepts. A computer programs supplement written in SAS IML is included which will enable readers to reproduce most of the tables in the text and continue to use them for actual further analysis or research purposes with a minimum of alteration. A 5.25" or 3.50" disk is available separately if required. On a more personal note, Professor Reyment has recently been awarded the Bjorken Prize for work in biometry.

Product Description: Book by Reyment, Richard A.