This chapter provides some metrics for measuring phylogenetic diversity, one of
the most important diversity components in ecological studies. Phylogenetic diversity
nowadays is widely used to evaluate the role of evolutionary history and evolutionary
interaction among species on structuring contemporary biodiversity patterns and ecological
community structure. The metrics for phylogenetic diversity could be divided into two
categories: node-based and branch length-based metrics. For node-based indices, I and W
give more weights on the sub-clades with fewer taxa. For branch-based metrics, the
following metrics are introduced: total phylogenetic diversity, pendant edge, taxonomic
distinctiveness, evolutionary distinctiveness, phylogenetic endemism, phylogenetic
ancestral range index, and imperiled phylogenetic diversity index.
Keywords: Ancestor, Brownian motion of evolution, descendants, ecological
indicators, evolutionary ecology, evolutionary history, external tips, extinction
risk, molecular information, phylogenetic community structure, phylogenetic
diversity, phylogenetic theory, statistical ecology, Tree of Life.
