Implications of ancient DNA for phylogenetic studies

The utility of DNA sequence characters from fossil specimens is examined from a phylogenetic perspective. Four ways that fossil characters can alter phylogenetic hypotheses are discussed. Two empirical examples and a third hypothetical example concerning amber-preserved insects are presented to illustrate these phenomena. Fossil DNA sequences as characters will be affected by the problem of missing data and missing taxa. In general, cladogram accuracy will be more greatly affected by missing taxa and cladogram resolution will be affected more acutely by missing data. Due to these points, an examination of the importance of the phylogenetic question being addressed, the utility of the fossil DNA sequences and the rarity of the fossil should be considered before damage of a fossil is undertaken.