Optimization of character coding and a stepwise execution of cladistic analyses

The absence/presence routine of character coding is examined in regard to minimizing its inherent redundancy effects with the purpose of optimizing the structuring of a comprehensive, binary datamatrix. Cladistic analytical procedures are next evaluated with respect to the successive use of such a datamatrix at different hierarchical levels. It is concluded that performing a stepwise analysis has various advantages over the more oft en employed techniques, i.e., the ‘total analysis’ routines and the ‘partitioned’ approaches.