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Updated: May 23, 2026
08:57
Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
Published on: August 14, 2018
Integrating Earth history into phylogenetic diversification models.
Alexis Licht1, Isabel Sanmartín2, Andrea S Meseguer2
1Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 21, 2026
Summary
New macroevolutionary models link Earth's history to biodiversity dynamics. Integrating Earth and life sciences data presents challenges but offers deeper insights into evolution and paleoenvironmental change.
Area of Science:
- Macroevolutionary biology
- Paleosciences
- Biodiversity dynamics
Background:
- Likelihood-based models and process-based macroevolutionary simulations are advancing the integration of paleogeographic and paleoclimatic data.
- These models offer deeper insights into how paleoenvironmental changes influence diversification.
- Significant challenges persist in merging Earth and life sciences data due to data type, uncertainty, and resolution disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current practices, tools, and limitations in integrating Earth science data with macroevolutionary models.
- To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for bridging Earth and life sciences.
- To provide practical guidelines for resource selection and uncertainty management in this interdisciplinary field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current practices and tools.
- Analysis of challenges in merging disparate data types, uncertainties, and resolutions.
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and practical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Advances in macroevolutionary modeling allow for integration of paleogeographic and paleoclimatic constraints.
- Challenges in data integration (type, uncertainty, resolution) hinder comprehensive understanding.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective merging of Earth and life sciences data.
Conclusions:
- Merging Earth and life sciences data through advanced macroevolutionary models refines understanding of past environmental impacts on evolution.
- Addressing data integration challenges and fostering collaboration are key to bridging these scientific disciplines.
- This interdisciplinary approach enhances insights into how Earth's history shapes biodiversity dynamics.
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