Statistical evidence in evolutionary biology

How do historical biologists (systematists, paleobiologists, biogeographers and comparative biologists) decide what counts as evidence for or against a hypothesis?

What is the nature of statistical evidence in historical biology?

How is evidence evaluated? How are hypotheses tested?

How do these practices differ from those used by ahistorical scientists?

This project aims to examine these questions from a statistical viewpoint. It will involve delving into the history and philosophy of biology, the philosophy of statistics, and the general history and philosophy of science.

Supervisor: Dr Simon Blomberg