distance based DNA trees

[HJJACOBSON at AOL.COM]

In a message dated 4/15/2004 12:19:06 AM Pacific Standard Time, bti at DSMZ.DE
writes:

> Interesting comments, which can be explained. ALL methods of evaluation,
> whether it be neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, or even maximum
> likelihood include an underlying assumption that "parsimony of evolution"
> is operating. Thus both phenetic and cladistic approaches include some
> underlying reference to parsimony, without which just anything would be
> possible.
> Brian

In think Maximum Parsimony only assumed that the best phylogentic hypothesis
was the one with the least number of ad hoc assumptions. The parsimony was in
the logic, not in the "parsimony of evolution." At least it did in the
beginning. Has it changed?

Herb