Dating Phylogenies with Hybrid Local Molecular Clocks
Author Information
Author(s): Stéphane Aris-Brosou
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa
Hypothesis
Can hybrid local molecular clocks improve the accuracy of estimating divergence times in phylogenetic studies?
Conclusion
The new maximum likelihood hybrid methods can perform better than penalized likelihood and almost as well as uncorrelated Bayesian models, but they still tend to underestimate the actual amount of rate change.
Supporting Evidence
- The new methods were evaluated by reanalyzing three published data sets.
- The study shows that local molecular clocks can accommodate rapid rate variation.
- Results indicate that the choice of clustering algorithm can significantly impact date estimates.
Takeaway
This study looks at how to better estimate when different species split from each other using new methods that combine different approaches.
Methodology
The study evaluates new methods for estimating divergence times by reanalyzing three published data sets using maximum likelihood estimation and clustering algorithms.
Potential Biases
The reliance on initial estimates of rates may introduce bias.
Limitations
The methods may underestimate rate change and have issues with identifiability of parameters.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed data from 35 mammalian species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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