ABSTRACT
In the present paper, we describe LisBeth, a newly published phylogenetic program. LisBeth implements the cladistic three-item analysis for systematics and biogeography. We show how LisBeth handles character representation, character analysis, exact search functions, reconstruction of the intersection tree and other features, such as retention index, completeness index, character history and link with other programs such as PAUP*, version 4.0b10, TNT and Xper2. Using LisBeth, we reanalyze the phylogeny based on morphological characters of the order Gadiformes (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii) published by Endo (2002) and compare our results. We also describe the generation of hypotheses of homology following Endo's guidelines versus 3ia representation schemes. We compare the topologies of all results and show the implications of the interpretation of character history.
Subject(s)
Gadiformes/classification , Phylogeny , Animals , Gadiformes/genetics , InternetABSTRACT
MOTIVATION: Computer Aided Identification systems provide users with the resources to relate morpho-anatomic observations with taxa names and to subsequently access other knowledge about the organisms. They have the ability to manage descriptive data and make identifications through interactive keys. They are essential for both authors and users of biodiversity information. Xper(2) version 2.0 is one of the most user-friendly tools in its category and provides a complete environment dedicated to taxonomic management. AVAILABILITY: Xper(2) software can be freely downloaded at http://lis-upmc.snv.jussieu.fr/lis/?q=en/resources/softwares/xper2
Subject(s)
Classification/methods , Information Storage and Retrieval/methods , Software , Computer Graphics , Databases, Factual , InternetABSTRACT
The rise of cladistics in ichthyology has dramatically improved our knowledge of teleostean basal interrelationships. However, some questions have remained open, among them the reliability of the Otocephala, a clade grouping clupeomorphs and ostariophysans, and the relationships of the Esocoidei. These two questions have been investigated in the light of new DNA sequences (from 28S and rhodopsin genes) and sequences from data banks (cytochrome b, 12-16S, 18S, MLL and RAG1). The ability of each of these markers to resolve basal teleostean interrelationships is assessed, and the cytochrome b was not found appropriate. Practical (i.e. different taxonomic samplings) and epistemological grounds led us to perform multiple separated phylogenetic analyses, in order to estimate the reliability of the above clades from their repeatability among trees from independent sequence data. The Otocephala are found monophyletic from most of the datasets; otherwise, they are not significantly contradicted from the others, which exhibit unresolved relationships. We conclude that the evidence provided here favours the sister-group relationship of clupeomorphs and ostariophysans. Morphological evidence including fossils is discussed, concluding that morphological works have not yet provided sufficient data to support this group. Salmonids and esocoids are found sister-groups from every molecular dataset in which these groups were sampled. Based on these convincing results, the Protacanthopterygii of Johnson and Patterson [1] are redefined, including the Esocoidei.
