ReptileEvolution.com: Large Phylogenetic Tree of 2340 Reptile and Synapsid Taxa

A large reptile tree (LRT) phylogenetic dataset of 2340 taxa, created to minimize taxon exclusion in paleontological studies. The dataset, authored by David Peters and hosted on figshare, includes NEX and PDF files representing a largely resolved cladogram. It was last updated on April 11, 2026.

Use Cases

• Testing phylogenetic hypotheses based on the inclusion of a large number of taxa to minimize taxon exclusion.
• Resolving the placement of enigmatic fossil taxa using the provided cladogram structure.
• Studying character convergence and homology issues within synapsid mammal lineages as described.
• Comparing phenomic phylogenetic results against other datasets or genomic studies.

Strengths

• Includes 2340 taxa, which the author states minimizes taxon exclusion.
• Data is provided in standard phylogenetic formats (NEX, PDF).
• The dataset is actively maintained, with an update in 2026 and notes on ongoing work.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The author notes the synapsid section is 'not fully resolved' and subject to change due to data fragility.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and completeness require manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

David Peters via the ReptileEvolution.com Project.

Collection Method

Likely compiled from published paleontological literature and morphological character analysis.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-11 14:31:43.