Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of morphological character data using RevBayes
When:14th December 09:00–12:30
Workshop instructors: Rachel Warnock (ETH Zurich), Mark Puttick (University of Bath), Joseph O’Reilly (University of Bristol), Holly Betts (University of Bristol)
Reconstructing evolutionary relationships among extinct and living species is a key topic in palaeobiological research. For most fossil species, phylogenetic relationships can only be established using morphology, which has traditionally been analysed using parsimony. Alternatively, morphological data can be analysed using maximum likelihood or Bayesian approaches, which incorporate explicit models of the evolutionary process. Bayesian phylogenetic models, in particular, allow for the analysis of the fossil record under complex macroevolutionary models and can incorporate multiple sources of information, including time, and uncertainty.
This short workshop will provide an introduction to Bayesian approaches for the analysis of morphological character matrices and comparison to other approaches. There will also be a brief introduction to the Bayesian phylogenetics software package RevBayes and a hands-on tutorial. RevBayes provides an interactive and flexible environment for statistical inference in phylogenetics and macroevolution. More information about the software can found online: https://revbayes.github.io/revbayes-site/
Researchers at any level are welcome. Interested participants will be given the opportunity to register for the workshop online as part of the Annual Meeting registration process, at no additional cost. More information about the workshop venue will be posted online before the meeting.
3D data visualisation and segmentation using Avizo
When: 14th December 10.00 – 12.00
Workshop instructors: Thomas Davies and Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone (University of Bristol)
This workshop will provide a practical introduction to the Avizo 3D software package for working with 3D tomographic datasets such as synchrotron- or computed-tomography imaging techniques used widely in palaeontology. There will be a brief introduction to 3D tomographic techniques, followed by hands-on introduction to using the software for image visualisation and segmentation. The workshop is suitable for researchers at any level with no, or limited, prior experience of working with 3D data. Interested participants will be given the opportunity to register for the workshop online as part of the Annual Meeting registration process, at no additional cost. More information about the workshop venue will be posted online before the meeting.
Friends of the Rotten
When: 14th December 10.00 – 12.30
For the last couple of years, an informal workshop among researchers and students dealing with taphonomy has taken place prior to the Annual Meeting. If you are interested in being informed further about this particular event and included on their mailing list, please contact Dr Maria McNamara via e-mail at maria.mcnamara@UCC.ie, entitling your message “FOTR”. Venue to be announced via e-mail for those that have indicated interest.