Selecting Molecular Markers for a Specific Phylogenetic Problem

Abstract

In a molecular phylogenetic analysis, different markers may yield contradictory topologies for the same diversity group. Therefore, it is important to select suitable markers for a reliable topological estimate. Issues such as length and rate of evolution will play a role in the suitability of a particular molecular marker to unfold the phylogenetic relationships for a given set of taxa. In this review, we provide guidelines that will be useful to newcomers to the field of molecular phylogenetics weighing the suitability of molecular markers for a given phylogenetic problem.