Angiosperm phylogeny: A framework for studies of genome evolution

Abstract

Our understanding of plant phylogeny has improved dramatically in recent years through large-scale collaborative analyses and the application of molecular data, from single genes to entire plastid genomes. Likewise, many clade-specific analyses have clarified relationships within some of the largest groups of angiosperms. Recent advances in angiosperm phylogenetics in particular have played a significant role in selecting taxa for genetic analysis and genome sequencing. Here we summarize current methods in phylogeny reconstruction and look toward future, large-scale approaches. Finally, we provide an overview of plant phylogeny, with an emphasis on angiosperms, based on the past two decades of research. This phylogeny reveals repeated patterns of radiation throughout the angiosperms and frequent episodes of whole-genome duplication.