Genetic Data Analysis, first published in 1990, became the standard reference for ways to interpret discrete population genetic data. Genetic Data Analysis II retains the strengths of the original book and, based upon the suggestions of users, includes many new features, notably the revision of Chapter 10 (Phylogeny Reconstruction) to incorporate newer methods, and new chapters on Linkage and Individual Identification.

Genetic Data Analysis II features an expanded set of Exercises, with solutions, and an expanded list of references. In addition, a suite of Windows-based programs written by Paul O. Lewis and Dmitri Zaykin is available without charge from the Web site maintained by the program in Statistical Genetics at North Carolina State University.