Normalising phylogenetic networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to transform complex rooted phylogenetic networks into simpler, canonical forms based on visible nodes, aiding interpretation of evolutionary relationships.

Contribution

It presents a novel canonicalization technique for rooted phylogenetic networks that simplifies tangled networks while preserving key features.

Findings

Method successfully simplifies complex networks

Implementation demonstrates practical applicability

Preserves essential evolutionary signals

Abstract

Rooted phylogenetic networks provide a way to describe species' relationships when evolution departs from the simple model of a tree. However, networks inferred from genomic data can be highly tangled, making it difficult to discern the main reticulation signals present. In this paper, we describe a natural way to transform any rooted phylogenetic network into a simpler canonical network, which has desirable mathematical and computational properties, and is based only on the 'visible' nodes in the original network. The method has been implemented and we demonstrate its application to some examples.