Can phylogenetics identify C4 origins and reversals

摘要: Determining the direction of past transitions between adaptive traits is one major objectives evolutionary biology. Insights can be gained from phylogenies, but violation assumptions statistical models used to reconstruct result in severe biases and complementary evidence should considered. Here, we review weaknesses relying solely on species phylogenies reconstructing history C 4 photosynthesis grasses, a complex trait present distinct phylogenetic groups. We argue that reconstructed by establishing homology or convergence different states based genetic phenotypic analyses. Such an approach points predominance gains over reversals 3 discuss potential explanations for this asymmetry transition rates.