A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Critiquing blind dating: the dangers of over-confident date estimates in comparative genomics
Authors: Wheat CW, Wahlberg N
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON
Publication year: 2013
Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Journal name in source: TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Journal acronym: TRENDS ECOL EVOL
Number in series: 22
Volume: 28
Issue: 22
First page : 636
Last page: 642
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 0169-5347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2013.07.007(external)
Abstract
Phylogenomic advances provide more rigorous estimates for the timing of evolutionary divergences than previously available (e.g., Bayesian relaxed-clock estimates with soft fossil constraints). However, because many family-level clades and higher, as well as model species within those clades, have not been included in phylogenomic studies, the literature presents temporal estimates likely harboring substantial errors. Blindly using such dates can substantially retard scientific advancement. We suggest a way forward by conducting analyses that minimize prior assumptions and use large datasets, and demonstrate how using such a phylogenomic approach can lead to significantly more parsimonious conclusions without a good fossil record. We suggest that such an approach calls for research into the biological causes of conflict between molecular and fossil signatures.
Phylogenomic advances provide more rigorous estimates for the timing of evolutionary divergences than previously available (e.g., Bayesian relaxed-clock estimates with soft fossil constraints). However, because many family-level clades and higher, as well as model species within those clades, have not been included in phylogenomic studies, the literature presents temporal estimates likely harboring substantial errors. Blindly using such dates can substantially retard scientific advancement. We suggest a way forward by conducting analyses that minimize prior assumptions and use large datasets, and demonstrate how using such a phylogenomic approach can lead to significantly more parsimonious conclusions without a good fossil record. We suggest that such an approach calls for research into the biological causes of conflict between molecular and fossil signatures.
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