BEAST Dataset: Time-Calibrated Phylogenetic Analysis of Spinosaurid Dinosaurs

A phylogenetic dataset focusing on spinosaurid theropods, created by Andrea Cau and last updated in May 2026. The dataset integrates morphological character data with absolute stratigraphic ages for tip-dating analysis. It is formatted as an XML file for use with the BEAST 2 software package.

Use Cases

• Bayesian phylogenetic inference of Spinosauridae based on the integrated morphological matrix and stratigraphic ages.
• Testing evolutionary models using the Sampled Ancestor Fossilized Birth Death Skyline Model implemented in BEAST 2.
• Analyzing rate variation across traits and branches using the multi-gamma parameter and relaxed log-normal clock model.
• Calibrating phylogenetic trees with tip-dating priors derived from the Paleobiology Database and International Chronostratigraphic Chart.

Strengths

• Integrates morphological data with absolute geochronological ages for tip-dating, as described.
• Analysis was based on four replicate MCMC runs of 40 million generations each.
• Stratigraphic data was checked against the International Chronostratigraphic Chart.
• Uses the Lewis (2001) model for discrete morphological characters without conditioning on variable characters only.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The dataset is small in size (990.7 KB), indicating a limited scope of taxa and characters.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Andrea Cau.

Collection Method

Phylogenetic dataset constructed from a morphological matrix, with stratigraphic ages obtained from the Paleobiology Database.

Time Range

Taxa ages span from the Triassic to the Cretaceous, with the root prior extending to near the Permian-Triassic boundary (252 Mya).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-22 10:33:20; freshness should be verified.