Extended Newick: it is time for a standard representation of phylogenetic networks
2008

Standardizing Phylogenetic Networks with Extended Newick Format

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gabriel Cardona, Francesc Rosselló, Gabriel Valiente

Primary Institution: University of the Balearic Islands

Hypothesis

The lack of a standard format for representing phylogenetic networks hinders their publication and use.

Conclusion

Adopting the extended Newick format as a standard will facilitate the publication and sharing of phylogenetic networks.

Supporting Evidence

  • The extended Newick format allows for easier sharing of phylogenetic data.
  • This format has been agreed upon by several computational biologists.
  • The standardization will help in the publication of phylogenetic networks in peer-reviewed journals.

Takeaway

Scientists need a common way to write down complex evolutionary relationships, and the extended Newick format helps with that.

Methodology

The study proposes the extended Newick format for representing phylogenetic networks as a single Newick string with repeated nodes.

Limitations

The study does not address the diverse meanings of 'phylogenetic networks' and the infancy of the field.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2105-9-532

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