Consistency, Characters, and the Likelihood of Correct Phylogenetic Inference

Computer simulations of character-state evolution in 8, 16, 32, and 64 ingroup taxa with a known set of relationships demonstrate that the maximum probability of correct phylogenetic inference increases with the number of variable (or informative) characters and their consistency index and decreases...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 1997-06, Vol.7 (3), p.320-330
Main Authors: Givnish, T.J., Sytsma, K.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer Simulation
DNA - metabolism
Likelihood Functions
Models, Biological
Phylogeny
Restriction Mapping
Software
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Summary:Computer simulations of character-state evolution in 8, 16, 32, and 64 ingroup taxa with a known set of relationships demonstrate that the maximum probability of correct phylogenetic inference increases with the number of variable (or informative) characters and their consistency index and decreases with the number of taxa, when the consistency index has been standardized to eliminate its dependence on the number of taxa. Equations for the probability of correct phylogenetic inference and for the standardized consistency indices (including or excluding autapomorphies) are derived. Given that actual studies based on DNA restriction sites and sequences generate more characters with a higher level of consistency than comparable studies based on morphology, calculations suggest that such molecular studies may often provide a more precise guide to phylogenetic relationships.
ISSN:1055-7903
1095-9513
DOI:10.1006/mpev.1997.0409