Estimating the evolutionary timescale of flowering plants using complete chloroplast genome sequences

Estimating the evolutionary timescale of flowering plants using complete chloroplast genome sequences

Estimating the evolutionary timescale of flowering plants using complete chloroplast genome sequences (#77)

Charles Foster ¹ , Simon Y.W Ho ¹

University of Sydney, University Of Sydney, NSW, Australia

The origins and evolution of flowering plants (Angiospermae/Magnoliophyta) have been major topics of research interest in phylogenetics. In particular, the evolutionary timescale of angiosperms has proven to be a source of considerable attention, although most studies have been based only on a small number of loci and/or taxa. However, the development of next-generation sequencing techniques in recent years has produced substantial amounts of genetic data, with many chloroplast genome sequences now being available.

The objective of this study is to estimate the evolutionary timescale of angiosperms by analysing whole chloroplast genome sequences using a Bayesian phylogenetic relaxed-clock approach. Our data set comprises published sequences from GenBank as well as novel data produced by collaborators at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Combined with a number of fossil calibrations, our analysis provides the most comprehensive and reliable estimate of the timescale of angiosperm evolution to date.

Authors contributing to this presentation.

Foster, C

Dr Charles Foster is a Bioinformatics Research Associate in the Virology Research Lab (VRL) at University of New South Wales/Prince of Wales Hospital, and a bioinformatics contractor with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP). Dr Foster’s research career to date has tackled a wide variety of topics including phylogenomics, molecular evolution, and genomic epidemiology. Within the VRL, Dr Foster is responsible for developing pipelines for genomic analysis of viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2. These pipelines are used for routine genomic sequencing of viral samples from positive COVID-19 cases, as well as urgent cases flagged by NSW Health. Dr Foster uses the generated data to carry out original research into areas such as assurance of consistent bioinformatics results between sequencing laboratories, and characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. When working with the RCPAQAP, Dr Foster assists in the design, implementation, and analysis of proficiency-testing programs for whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and Security Sensitive Biological Agents.

Estimating the evolutionary timescale of flowering plants using complete chloroplast genome sequences (#77)

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Foster, C

Ho, S.Y

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