Random sampling of constrained phylogenies: Conducting phylogenetic analyses when the phylogeny is partially known

Elizabeth A. Housworth, Emília P. Martins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Statistical randomization tests in evolutionary biology often require a set of random, computer-generated trees. For example, earlier studies have shown how large numbers of computer-generated trees can be used to conduct phylogenetic comparative analyses even when the phylogeny is uncertain or unknown. These methods were limited, however, in that (in the absence of molecular sequence or other data) they allowed users to assume that no phylogenetic information was available or that all possible trees were known. Intermediate situations where only a taxonomy or other limited phylogenetic information (e.g., polytomies) are available are technically more difficult. The current study describes a procedure for generating random samples of phylogenies while incorporating limited phylogenetic information (e.g., four taxa belong together in a subclade). The procedure can be used to conduct comparative analyses when the phylogeny is only partially resolved or can be used in other randomization tests in which large numbers of possible phylogenies are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)628-639
Number of pages12
JournalSystematic biology
Volume50
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Branching process
  • Combinatorics
  • Comparative method
  • Phylogenetic analysis
  • Phylogeny

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Genetics

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