Data mining approach identifies research priorities and data requirements for resolving the red algal tree of life

摘要: The assembly of the tree life has seen significant progress in recent years but algae and protists have been largely overlooked this effort. Many groups ancient roots it is unclear how much data will be required to resolve their phylogenetic relationships for incorporation life. red algae, a group primary photosynthetic eukaryotes more than billion old, provide earliest fossil evidence eukaryotic multicellularity sexual reproduction. Despite evolutionary significance, are understudied. This study aims infer comprehensive algal at family level from supermatrix containing mined GenBank. We aim locate remaining regions low support topology, evaluate causes estimate amount them. Phylogenetic analysis 14 loci 98 families yielded most complete date. Visualization statistical showed presence five poorly supported regions. Causes were identified with statistics about age region, availability node density, showing that poor different origins parts tree. Parametric simulation experiments optimistic estimates needed (ca. 103 ca. 104 nucleotides regions). Nonparametric simulations gave markedly pessimistic image, some requiring 2.8 105 or not achieving desired all. discrepancies between parametric nonparametric discussed light our dataset known attributes both approaches. Our takes one step closer meaningful inclusion In addition recovery stable relationships, recognition need further outcome work. Based on analyses current future requirements data, we make clear recommendations forthcoming research.