Do morphometric data improve phylogenetic reconstruction? A systematic review and assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Isolating phylogenetic signal from morphological data is crucial for accurately merging fossils into the tree of life and for calibrating molecular dating. However, subjective character definition is a major limitation which can introduce biases that mislead phylogenetic inferences and divergence time estimation. The use of quantitative data, e.g., geometric morphometric (GMM; shape) data can allow for more objective integration of morphological data into phylogenetic inference. This systematic review describes the current state of the field in using continuous morphometric data (e.g., GMM data) for phylogenetic reconstruction and assesses the efficacy of these data compared to discrete characters using the PRISMA-EcoEvo v1.0. reporting guideline, and offers some pathway

SUBMITTER: Holvast EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11487705 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature