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Testing the impact of calibration on molecular divergence times using a fossil-rich group: the case of Nothofagus (Fagales)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 13:41 authored by Sauquet, H, Ho, SYW, Gandolfo, MA, Gregory JordanGregory Jordan, Wilf, P, Cantrill, DJ, Bayly, MJ, Bromham, L, Brown, GK, Carpenter, RJ, Lee, DM, Murphy, DJ, Sniderman, JMK, Udovicic, F
Although temporal calibration is widely recognized as critical for obtaining accurate divergence-time estimates using molecular dating methods, few studies have evaluated the variation resulting from different calibration strategies. Depending on the information available, researchers have often used primary calibrations from the fossil record or secondary calibrations from previous molecular dating studies. In analyses of flowering plants, primary calibration data can be obtained from macro- and mesofossils (e.g., leaves, flowers, and fruits) or microfossils (e.g., pollen). Fossil data can vary substantially in accuracy and precision, presenting a difficult choice when selecting appropriate calibrations. Here, we test the impact of eight plausible calibration scenarios for Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae, Fagales), a plant genus with a particularly rich and well-studied fossil record. To do so, we reviewed the phylogenetic placement and geochronology of 38 fossil taxa of Nothofagus and other Fagales, and we identified minimum age constraints for up to 18 nodes of the phylogeny of Fagales. Molecular dating analyses were conducted for each scenario using maximum likelihood (RAxML + r8s) and Bayesian (BEAST) approaches on sequence data from six regions of the chloroplast and nuclear genomes. Using either ingroup or outgroup constraints, or both, led to similar age estimates, except near strongly influential calibration nodes. Using “early but risky” fossil constraints in addition to “safe but late” constraints, or using assumptions of vicariance instead of fossil constraints, led to older age estimates. In contrast, using secondary calibration points yielded drastically younger age estimates. This empirical study highlights the critical influence of calibration on molecular dating analyses. Even in a best-case situation, with many thoroughly vetted fossils available, substantial uncertainties can remain in the estimates of divergence times. For example, our estimates for the crown group age of Nothofagus varied from 13 to 113 Ma across our full range of calibration scenarios. We suggest that increased background research should be made at all stages of the calibration process to reduce errors wherever possible, from verifying the geochronological data on the fossils to critical reassessment of their phylogenetic position.

History

Publication title

Systematic Biology

Volume

61

Pagination

289-313

ISSN

1063-5157

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Place of publication

Great Clarendon St, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK

Rights statement

Copyright The Author(s) 2011. Published by Oxford University Press, on behalf of the Society of Systematic Biologists. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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