Complexity of avian evolution revealed by family-level genomes.

ABSTRACT: Despite tremendous efforts in the past decades, relationships among main avian lineages remain heavily debated without a clear resolution. Discrepancies have been attributed to diversity of species sampled, phylogenetic method and the choice of genomic regions^1-3. Here we address these issues by analysing the genomes of 363 bird species⁴ (218 taxonomic families, 92% of total). Using intergenic regions and coalescent methods, we present a well-supported tree but also a marked degree of discordance. The tree confirms that Neoaves experienced rapid radiation at or near the Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary. Sufficient loci rather than extensive taxon sampling were more effective in resolving difficult nodes. Remaining recalcitrant nodes involve species that are a challenge

SUBMITTER: Stiller J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11111414 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature