Kim 9806570 Abstract Dr. Kim's proposed project will investigate the scaling properties of phylogenetic reconstruction methods under various models of tree evolution and investigate how such information can be used to design the most powerful and efficient strategies for analyzing large scale phylogenies. The study addresses fundamental and controversial questions of concern to all evolutionary biologists; in fact the difficulty surrounding choice of tree model in light of taxon sampling currently is an intractable problem for most biologists who do phylogenetic reconstructions. The PI will study three clearly justified stochastic tree evolution models, three models of character evolution, and four different taxon sampling strategies. The study also could have broad sociological implications for the scientific environment if it clearly resolved questions these surrounding controversial issues. The study will help to provide answers to fundamental questions raised by systematic biologists.
