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A molecular time-scale for eukaryote evolution recalibrated with the continuous microfossil record.

Cédric Berney1, Jan Pawlowski

  • 1Department of Zoology and Animal Biology, University of Geneva, Sciences III, 30, quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 11, 2006
PubMed
Summary

This study recalibrates the eukaryote evolutionary timeline using microfossil data. Eukaryote diversification began around 1100 million years ago, near the Mesoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic boundary.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Paleontology
  • Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

  • Establishing a precise molecular timescale for eukaryote evolution has been challenging due to discrepancies in molecular clock estimates.
  • These discrepancies often stem from uncertainties in calibrating phylogenetic trees with fossil data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To refine the molecular timescale of eukaryote evolution.
  • To resolve discrepancies in molecular dating by utilizing a robust microfossil record for calibration.

Main Methods:

  • Calibrated a small-subunit ribosomal RNA (ss rRNA) gene tree of eukaryotes.
  • Employed microfossil records of dinoflagellates, diatoms, and coccolithophorids for calibration points.
  • Utilized a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock framework with multiple calibration constraints (4 maximum, 22 minimum).

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Main Results:

  • Inferred the early radiation of eukaryotes occurred near the Mesoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic boundary, approximately 1100 million years ago.
  • Demonstrated that many Proterozoic fossils of putative eukaryotic origin are difficult to assign to extant lineages.
  • Showed that these ambiguous fossils are unsuitable for calibrating molecular divergence times.

Conclusions:

  • The early diversification of eukaryotes is dated to the Mesoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic boundary.
  • The use of dinoflagellates, diatoms, and coccolithophorids provides reliable calibration points for eukaryote molecular clocks.
  • Caution is advised when using poorly characterized Proterozoic fossils for molecular dating of eukaryote origins.