ONLINE COURSE - An Introduction to Spatial Eco-Phylogenetics and Comparative Methods (SECM01) We still have a few places available. https://www.prstats.org/course/an-introduction-to-spatial-eco-phylogenetics-and-comparative-methods-secm01/ 19th - 22nd March 2024 Please feel free to share! COURSE OVERVIEW - In this course we introduce phylogenetic analyses in a spatial context. Phylogenetic analyses often imply a high number of species for which phylogenetic information is unavailable, hence we begin by providing an overview on modern techniques to incorporate phylogenetic uncertainty in the analyses (day 1). We then cover the most popular analyses in the spatial phylogenetics discipline (day 2), with particular focus on the canonical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE). The second part of the course will be devoted to integrating phylogenetic information into models of geographic distribution of species (day 3), followed by an overview of recent advances to improve ecological forecasts using phylogenetic mixed models in a Bayesian framework (day 4). By the end of the course, participants should: Know how to expand incomplete phylogenies based on taxonomic information and customizing simulation parameters for optimal expansion. Understand the metrics and concepts used in spatial phylogenetics (i.e. phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity, phylogenetic endemism), interpret them critically, and assess pros and cons of analytical techniques. Calculate phylogenetic predictors that can be included as covariates in Species Distribution or Niche Models. Understand and implement the phylogenetic mixed model (PMM) and translate its predictions into a spatial context. Day 1 - Expansion of molecular trees using taxonomic information and fundamental metrics of phylogenetic structure Software for tree expansion exercises; randtip, PhyloMaker An overview of the fundamental metrics of phylogenetic structure. Null models. Day 2 - Spatial Phylogenetics Canonical analysis of neo- and paleo- endemism. Metrics, rationale, workflow, and implementation. Day 3 - Phylogenetic Species Distribution Models Putting phylogenies in the geography: the imprints of evolutionary relationships in distribution models. Combining phylogenies with co-occurrence to infer spatial phylogenetic predictors. Fitting, evaluating and interpreting Phylogenetic-SDMs. Day 4 - Beyond PGLS - Bayes and more Most common phylogenetic modelling approaches: PGLS PGLMM The phylogenetic mixed model (PMM) in a Bayesian framework Please email oliverhooker@prstatiatics.com with any questions. -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats Oliver Hooker (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)