Statistical methods that choose the tree and substitution model most likely to have produced observed sequence data.
Software searches tree space and evaluates how probable the data are under a model of nucleotide or amino acid substitution (such as GTR). Bootstrap resampling estimates support. Bayesian methods give posterior probabilities.
Model choice matters.
Statistical methods that choose the tree and substitution model most likely to have produced observed sequence data.
Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Phylogeography, Neutral Theory, Origin of Life.
RAxML and IQ-TREE are widely used programs.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics are Phylogeography, Neutral Theory, Origin of Life, Molecular Clock. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetics: Statistical methods that choose the tree and substitution model most likely to have produced observed sequence data. Phylogeography: Studies how historical processes shaped the geographic distribution of genealogical lineages. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Phylogeography and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Studies how historical processes shaped the geographic distribution of genealogical lineages.
🦎 EvolutionProposes that most molecular variation results from drift of selectively neutral mutations rather than selection.
🦎 EvolutionHypotheses such as the primordial soup and RNA world explain how self-replicating molecules first arose.
🦎 EvolutionUses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged.
🦎 Evolution