Phylogenetic and Biogeographic Analysis of Sphaerexochine Trilobites
Author Information
Author(s): Curtis R. Congreve, Bruce S. Lieberman
Primary Institution: Department of Geology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas
Hypothesis
What are the evolutionary relationships within the group of Sphaerexochine trilobites?
Conclusion
The study found that the genus Sphaerexochus is monophyletic and largely unaffected by the end Ordovician mass extinction.
Supporting Evidence
- The genus Sphaerexochus was found to be monophyletic.
- Kawina was found to be paraphyletic.
- Sphaerexochinae appears to have been largely unaffected by the end Ordovician mass extinction.
Takeaway
Scientists studied a group of ancient sea creatures called trilobites to understand how they evolved and survived a major extinction event.
Methodology
Cladistic parsimony analysis was conducted using the program TNT, analyzing thirty-one taxa and thirty-nine characters.
Limitations
The analysis may lack resolution in some areas due to the complexity of relationships among species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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