TraitTrainR: A Tool for Simulating Trait Evolution
Author Information
Author(s): Roa Lozano Jenniffer, Duncan Mataya, McKenna Duane D, Castoe Todd A, DeGiorgio Michael, Adams Richard
Primary Institution: University of Arkansas
Hypothesis
How accurately do current models capture evolutionary processes in nature?
Conclusion
TraitTrainR is a flexible R package that facilitates large-scale simulations of continuous trait evolution, demonstrating its utility in model selection and evolutionary inference.
Supporting Evidence
- TraitTrainR allows for multi-trait simulations and incorporates measurement error.
- The package includes 44 models and supports various evolutionary scenarios.
- Model selection accuracy was evaluated using AIC across different phylogenetic case studies.
Takeaway
TraitTrainR helps scientists simulate how traits evolve over time, making it easier to study and understand evolution.
Methodology
The study developed TraitTrainR in R 4.4.0, allowing for flexible simulations of trait evolution with various models and parameters.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from measurement errors and the assumptions of the models used.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on specific case studies and parameter values, which may not generalize to all datasets.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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