Phylogeny and divergence of the pinnipeds (Carnivora: Mammalia) assessed using a multigene dataset
2008
Correction of Pinniped Divergence Dates
Sample size: 35
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Higdon Jeff W, Bininda-Emonds Olaf RP, Beck Robin MD, Ferguson Steven H
Conclusion
The bug in the dating program had a minimal impact on the divergence dates of pinnipeds, affecting only 14 out of 35 nodes.
Supporting Evidence
- The bug in the relDate program can lead to overestimates of divergence-time estimates.
- Only 14 of the 35 nodes were affected by the bug.
- The mean and median absolute errors for the affected nodes were 0.19 and 0.10 million years.
- All but one error were overestimates.
- The largest difference in estimates was 0.5 million years.
Takeaway
There was a mistake in how we calculated the ages of seals and sea lions, but it didn't change most of the dates much.
Methodology
The study used a multigene dataset and a program called relDate to estimate divergence times.
Limitations
The bug in the relDate program could lead to overestimates of divergence times.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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