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Inference of Evolutionary Jumps in Large Phylogenies using Lévy Processes.

Pablo Duchen1, Christoph Leuenberger1,2, Sándor M Szilágyi3,4,5

  • 1Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.

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Periods of rapid phenotypic evolution, or evolutionary jumps, often occur when species enter new adaptive zones. This study introduces an efficient algorithm to identify these evolutionary jumps in large phylogenetic trees.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Phylogenetics

Background:

  • The rate of phenotypic evolution is not constant across evolutionary history.
  • G. G. Simpson hypothesized that rapid evolutionary jumps occur upon entering new adaptive zones.
  • Testing Simpson's hypothesis has been computationally challenging due to the complexity of inferring evolutionary jumps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a computationally efficient algorithm for inferring the rate, strength, and phylogenetic location of evolutionary jumps.
  • To test Simpson's hypothesis regarding the link between adaptive zone transitions and evolutionary jumps.

Main Methods:

  • A novel algorithm was developed to model evolutionary jumps as a compound process.
  • The algorithm avoids matrix inversions, enabling scalability to large phylogenetic trees.
  • The method efficiently samples jump configurations to infer evolutionary dynamics.

Main Results:

  • The developed algorithm accurately infers evolutionary jumps, including their rate, strength, and position in phylogenies.
  • Analysis of Anolis lizards and Loriinii parrots revealed significant evolutionary jumps at the base of clades entering new adaptive zones.
  • Findings support Simpson's hypothesis on the role of adaptive zone transitions in driving rapid phenotypic evolution.

Conclusions:

  • The new algorithm provides an efficient tool for studying evolutionary jumps in large phylogenies.
  • Evidence supports the hypothesis that transitions into new adaptive zones trigger periods of rapid phenotypic evolution.
  • This work advances our understanding of the tempo and mode of macroevolutionary change.