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Model selection may not be a mandatory step for phylogeny reconstruction

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  • Shiran Abadi

    (Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv)

  • Dana Azouri

    (Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv
    Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv)

  • Tal Pupko

    (Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv)

  • Itay Mayrose

    (Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv)

Abstract

Determining the most suitable model for phylogeny reconstruction constitutes a fundamental step in numerous evolutionary studies. Over the years, various criteria for model selection have been proposed, leading to debate over which criterion is preferable. However, the necessity of this procedure has not been questioned to date. Here, we demonstrate that although incongruency regarding the selected model is frequent over empirical and simulated data, all criteria lead to very similar inferences. When topologies and ancestral sequence reconstruction are the desired output, choosing one criterion over another is not crucial. Moreover, skipping model selection and using instead the most parameter-rich model, GTR+I+G, leads to similar inferences, thus rendering this time-consuming step nonessential, at least under current strategies of model selection.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiran Abadi & Dana Azouri & Tal Pupko & Itay Mayrose, 2019. "Model selection may not be a mandatory step for phylogeny reconstruction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-08822-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08822-w
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