Morphometric diversity: estimate of distances, assumptions and restrictions(1)

Abstract

The morphometric diversity is the result of the space and chronological distribution of the phenotypic variation, and of the underlying genetic structure taken place by a microevolutive process. Commonly the analysis and the explanation of the phenomenon is carried out by means of the estimate of statistics, and of parameters that allow to make inferences about the meaning of the significance of the differences between two or more groups. For this purpose we appeal to the calculation of several types of distances, among which the most used one is the D² of Mahalanobis. In this paper, is carried out a revision of the topic from the point of view of the assumptions and the restrictions that it implies the obtaining of estimator of distances as for its impartiality, efficiency and nature of the transmitted statistical and biological information. They are also discussed some experimental designs based on the execution of this assumptions and to the quality of the obtained information. Lastly an exhibition is provided about the prospective progress and really achieved in the rational explanation of the evolutionary facts with the employment of quantitative variables.