Beyond congruence: evidential integration and inferring the best evolutionary scenario

Abstract Molecular methods have revolutionised virtually every area of biology, and metazoan phylogenetics is no exception: molecular phylogenies, clocks, comparative phylogenomics, developmental genetics generated a plethora data spanning numerous taxa collectively transformed our understanding the evolutionary history animals, often corroborating but at times opposing results more traditional approaches. Moreover, diversity models within has resulted in significant disagreement among phylogenies as well between these earlier phylogenies. How should this broad multifaceted problem be tackled? I argue that answer lies integrating evidence to infer best scenario. begin with an overview recent development early phylogenetics, followed by discussion key conceptual issues revolving around phylogenetic evidence, theory, methodology, interrelations thereof. then integration different kinds (e.g. molecular, morphological, ecological) necessary for arriving scenario (causal explanation) rather than merely best-fitting cladogram (statistical explanation). Finally, discuss prospects view stimulating interdisciplinary cross-talk research beyond, challenges need overcome.