Phylogenetic sampling affects evolutionary patterns of morphological disparity

Cladistic character matrices are routinely repurposed in analyses of morphological disparity. Unfortunately, the sampling taxa and characters within such datasets reflects their intended application (to resolve phylogeny, rather than distinguish between phenotypes) resulting tree shapes that often misrepresent broader taxonomic diversity. Here we use shape as a proxy to explore how can affect perceptions evolving Through simulated empirical data, demonstrate introduce biases morphospace occupation clades predicted by differences symmetry branch length distribution. Symmetrical trees with relatively long internal branches predict more expansive patterns occupation. Conversely, asymmetrical short compact distributions. Additionally, find external greater phenotypic divergence peripheral morphotypes. Taken together, our results caution against uncritical repurposing cladistic disparity analyses. However, they also when diversity is proportionately sampled, speak genuine While may serve useful starting point, must attempt achieve uniformity lineage across time topology. Only all potential sources bias accounted for evolutionary phenomena be distinguished from artefactual signals. It accepted non-uniformity fossil record preclude representative and, therefore, faithful characterization evolution