C. D. Specht

Comparative phylogenomic analyses of SNP versus full locus datasets: insights and recommendations for researchers

This study compares SNP and full locus datasets in phylogenomic analyses, finding that tree topology is largely congruent but filtering missing data too strictly can reduce confidence in relationships.

Commonly used Bayesian diversification-rate models produce biologically meaningful differences on empirical phylogenies

This paper compares five Bayesian methods for inferring diversification rate shifts on empirical phylogenies and finds they produce different results due to model differences.

The rapid radiation of Bomarea (Alstroemeriaceae: Liliales), driven by the rise of the Andes

This study investigates the diversification of Bomarea species in relation to Andean uplift, finding that speciation events correlate with mountain formation and climate changes during the Pleistocene.

Unearthing modes of climatic adaptation in underground storage organs across Liliales

The paper tests adaptive hypotheses about climatic adaptation in underground storage organs across Liliales, finding root tubers are associated with lower temperature seasonality.

Multiple routes of functional diversification of the plant BAHD acyltransferase family revealed by comparative biochemical and genomic analyses

The paper investigates how the BAHD acyltransferase family evolved to use diverse substrates through phylogenetics, biochemistry, and protein structure analysis.

Comparative transcriptomics of a monocotyledonous geophyte reveals shared molecular mechanisms of underground storage organ formation.

This study uses transcriptomics to compare molecular mechanisms of tuberous root formation in Bomarea multiflora with other underground storage organs across plant lineages, identifying shared genes and pathways.

Phylogeny of Paullinia L. (Paullinieae: Sapindaceae), a diverse genus of lianas with rapid fruit evolution

This paper presents a molecular phylogeny of Paullinia, revealing its monophyly and evolutionary transitions in fruit morphology linked to animal dispersal strategies.