Phylogenetic signal and linear regression on species data

A common procedure in the regression analysis of interspecies data is to first test the independent and dependent variables X and Y for phylogenetic signal, and then use the presence of signal in one or both traits to justify regression analysis using phylogenetic methods such as independent contrasts or phylogenetic generalized least squares. 2. This is incorrect, because phylogenetic regression assumes that the residual error in the regression model (not in the original traits) is distributed according to a multivariate normal distribution with variances and covariances proportional to the historical relations of the species in the sample. 3. Here, I examine the consequences of justifying and applying the…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: -0423641, EF-0423641, 0423641
• NE
  National Evolutionary Synthesis Center

  Awards: NSF EF-0423641, EF-0423641
• DO
  Division of Emerging Frontiers

  Awards: 0423641, EF-0423641