Robust regression rescues poor phylogenetic decisions.

ABSTRACT: Comparative biology seeks to unlock the power of cross-species trait variation to learn the rules of life. In this venture, modern studies increasingly leverage large datasets spanning many traits and levels of biological organization and complexity. To analyze these complex data in a statistically-sound manner, researchers must choose a phylogeny that is assumed to model the mean trait values across species-an assumption that may be tenuous depending on the true evolutionary architecture of the traits. Yet the consequences of this decision remain poorly understood, particularly for modern studies seeking to analyze multiple, distinct traits within the same framework. Here, we conduct a comprehensive simulation study to examine how tree choice impacts phylogenetic regression in large-scale

SUBMITTER: Duncan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532477 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature