The link between segregation and phylogenetic diversity

TL;DR

This paper introduces an invertible transform connecting phylogenetic diversity and segregating sites, bridging two scientific communities and enabling new insights into species diversity measures.

Contribution

It derives a novel invertible transform linking phylogenetic diversity and segregating sites under a specific substitution model, independent of phylogeny.

Findings

Transform is invertible and independent of phylogeny

Bridges diversity measures across scientific communities

Provides a new mathematical tool for diversity analysis

Abstract

We derive an invertible transform linking two widely used measures of species diversity: phylogenetic diversity and the expected proportions of segregating (non-constant) sites. We assume a bi-allelic, symmetric, finite site model of substitution. Like the Hadamard transform of Hendy and Penny, the transform can be expressed completely independent of the underlying phylogeny. Our results bridge work on diversity from two quite distinct scientific communities.