Methodological Issues in Modern Track Analysis
Abstract Track analysis is the core of panbiogeographic
analysis. In this work, we reflect on the formalization of
track analysis, its methodological issues, and interpretations
by using new software developments and from a
contemporary evolutionary biogeographical viewpoint.
From a geometric perspective, we analyze the meaning of a
minimal spanning tree, considering that Prim’s algorithm is
the most commonly used to draw individual tracks. We
then show the existing methodologies (graphs, PAE,
combined method, AE) and software packages (Trazos2004,
Croizat, Martitracks, fossil) used to perform track
analysis. Finally, we illustrate a track analysis using
Nearctic mammals as an example. Based on our review,
connectivity matrix analysis may be the best way to associate
individual tracks into generalized tracks because it
compares the minimal spanning tree topologies. However,
it is the most demanding of all methods, since it requires a
high spatial congruence amo
