Phylogenetic Reconstruction |
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Reconstructing the genealogical relationships of organisms (phylogenetic analysis) represents one of the main goals of paleontology and organismic biology. Recent controversy over the use of fossils and stratigraphic information in phylogenetic analysis has spurred considerable interest in comparing different types of phylogenetic information (e.g. morphologic data, molecular data, stratigraphic data). I share this interest and have been exploring ways to accurately evaluate and compare the behavior of different types of phylogenetic observations. To the left is a skull of a new species of Tillodont discovered in Baluchistan, Pakistan. Tillodonts are a group of extinct land mammals that lived during the Paleogene. Their phylogenetic affinity is not well understood despite their excellent fossil record. |
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