Evolution: Polymorphic genes and false convergence

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the effects of hemiplasy on the interpretation of evolutionary relationships among species.
• Analysis of gene trees compared to species trees across various bird lineages.
• Investigation of the prevalence of hemiplasy in the bird tree of life.
• Hemiplasy is widespread among bird species, leading to misleading interpretations of convergence.
• Gene traits can appear convergent despite originating from a single lineage, complicating species identification.

Abstract