In the context of very extensive phylogenies, the debate concerning the best methodological approach and the growing use of taxonomic congruence is well known. Despite being well documented in the literature by the usage of hypothetical...
moreIn the context of very extensive phylogenies, the debate concerning the best methodological approach and the growing use of taxonomic congruence is well known. Despite being well documented in the literature by the usage of hypothetical data, empirical tests capable of evaluating its efficiency are still limited. In the attempt to elucidate the matter, a single matrix for Theropoda was split into smaller matrices, which were analysed separately and then merged together with the MRP supertree method, in order to compare both results. The framework used to separate the characters was the disarticulation order. The supertree resulted in a topology similar to that of the original matrix, and the analyses of each anatomical class points that elements such as the cranium are more informative, although they should not be used alone to assess the phylogeny of the group. The method was then applied to a real fossil example: the Prolacertiformes. The results differed from one another, but they indicate that the group is not monophyletic, although some families are robust and the origins of Pterosauria and Arhosauria are still not solved. In fact, only a thorough revision of the group can help to clarify its phylogenetic relationships.
