Assessing the information content of fossilizable data, with a focus on the Asian origin and diversification of Glires (Mammalia)
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Authors
Rankin, Aime Hall
Abstract
My thesis explores how the information content of fossil Glires (rodents + rabbits) effects phylogenetic reconstruction and the implications for downstream analysis and interpretation. The first two chapters take a detailed look at the phylogenetic signal contained within fossil Glires, while the third and fourth chapters put interpretation of fossils into practice through analyses of phylogeny, biogeographic history, anatomy and geometric morphometrics. In the final chapter, I discuss the importance of my biogeographic, anatomical and phylogenetic results within the context of Glires evolution. I also recommend the inclusion of fossil data in total-evidence approaches where possible and give suggestions for future work.
Description
Date
2020-12-18
Advisors
Asher, Robert
Keywords
Glires, Phylogenetics, Evolution, Fossil, Biogeography, Rodentia, Protrogomorphy, Sciuromorphy, Ultraconserved elements, Total-evidence analysis, Tibetan Plateau
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Awarding Institution
University of Cambridge
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Sponsorship
Whitten Studentship