Phylogenetic inference from homologous sequence data: minimum topological assumption strict mutational compatibility consensus tree as the ultimate solution

摘要

BackgroundFor the purposes of phylogenetic inference from molecular data sets many different methods are currently offered as alternatives for researchers in phylogenetic systematics. The vast majority of these methods are based on specific topological assumptions relating to the resultant genealogical tree. Each of these has been shown to perform effectively in special conditions and for specific data sets while yielding less reliable results in other instances. Moreover, the majority of the methods include information from homoplastic characters in spite of a universally accepted agreement in their ineffectiveness for phylogenetic inference, which may often lead to inaccuracy and inconsistency. As an alternative to such methods, a strict mutational compatibility consensus tree building method as a universally applicable and reliable method is reported.