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PartitionFinder 2: New Methods for Selecting Partitioned Models of Evolution for Molecular and Morphological
Robert Lanfear1,2, Paul B Frandsen3, April M Wright4
1Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|December 26, 2016
Summary
PartitionFinder 2 optimizes phylogenetic analyses by automatically selecting evolutionary models and partitioning schemes. This enhanced software is faster, more efficient, and supports diverse datasets, improving evolutionary research.
Area of Science:
- Computational Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Phylogenetic analyses require appropriate partitioning schemes and models of evolution for accurate evolutionary inference.
- Previous versions of PartitionFinder offered solutions but had limitations in speed and scope.
- The complexity of genomic and morphological datasets necessitates advanced analytical tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce PartitionFinder 2, a significantly improved program for automated selection of partitioning schemes and evolutionary models.
- To enhance the efficiency and capabilities of phylogenetic analysis software.
- To provide a versatile tool for analyzing diverse biological datasets.
Main Methods:
- PartitionFinder 2 employs algorithms to evaluate various partitioning schemes and models of molecular evolution.
- The program integrates new methods for analyzing large-scale genomic and morphological datasets.
- It offers improved performance and new output formats for downstream bioinformatics workflows.
Main Results:
- PartitionFinder 2 demonstrates substantial improvements in speed and efficiency compared to its predecessor.
- The software now accommodates morphological data and genome-scale datasets.
- New models of molecular evolution and enhanced output formats are incorporated.
Conclusions:
- PartitionFinder 2 represents a significant advancement in automated phylogenetic analysis tool development.
- Its enhanced features and efficiency facilitate more robust and comprehensive evolutionary studies.
- The software is freely available, promoting wider accessibility in the scientific community.
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