phylogenetic comparative method (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on phylogenetic comparative method (Sciuridae) with 17 nodes and 54 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Evolution of sociality in marmots, Marmota monax, winter survival, maternal care.

Method synopsis

Integration of molecular phylogeny with life history and energetic data to identify evolutionary patterns of energy conservation traits across marmot species. Uses comparative analysis to distinguish ancestral traits from independent evolutionary events.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 2 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Phylogeny and patterns of energy conservation in marmots (2008), Molecules to Migration: The Pressures of Life. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Phylogenetic analysis construction
   Used existing molecular sequence data to produce a monophyletic phylogeny grouping 14 recognized marmot species into two major subgenera (Marmota and Petromarmota). Analyzed relationships between three species M. monax, M. marmota, and M. broweri which remained unclear.
   Quantities: 14 species total, 2 major subgenera, 3 species with unclear relationshipsDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Based on existing taxonomic and molecular data
   Equipment: molecular sequence data, phylogenetic analysis software
2. Life history variation analysis
   Calculated variation explained by social complexity for six life history variables including percent females breed, time to first reproduction, average litter size, survival to age 1, gestation time, and lactation time. Analysis performed on raw data and data corrected for body mass.
   Quantities: 6 life history variables analyzedDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Using existing literature data
   Equipment: statistical analysis software
3. Phylogenetic hypothesis testing
   Constructed five different partial working phylogenetic hypotheses and tested for consistency of results. Evaluated whether traits represent ancestral character states versus independent evolutionary events.

Typical Equipment

• molecular sequence data
• phylogenetic analysis software
• statistical analysis software

Output Measurements

• phylogenetic relationships
• trait evolution patterns
• variation explained by phylogeny

Papers Using This Protocol (2)

Species Studied With This Protocol