We propose to analyze euteleost relationships using primarily nuclear protein genes, compile a comprehensive database summarizing current morphological evidence, and develop the tree of life as an educational tool. Specifically, we will:

• Develop and make freely available a user-friendly bioinformatics tool to search for nuclear genes useful for phylogenetic analysis of any taxonomic group.
• Identify, optimize and disseminate a set of at least 20 nuclear DNA markers for fish phylogenetic studies.
• Sequence a minimum of 1,500 species of euteleost fishes (and outgroups) for at least 20 fragments of single-copy nuclear protein-coding genes averaging 800-1000 base pairs (bp) in length, yielding a database of approximately 20 kilobases (kb) of sequence per species. Target species are selected to maximize taxonomic coverage, with a minimum of one species per family to a maximum of 10 species per family, depending on availability. This represents approximately 10% of total euteleost species diversity. Outgroup species will be drawn from the sister group (Otocephala) and more basal teleost clades (Osteoglossomorpha, Elopomorpha). See complete list (pdf).
• Perform phylogenetic analyses, ultimately collating the results of each participating laboratory into a single supermatrix for an overall analysis.
• Collate, from published literature, all known morphological synapomorphies for all groups of teleost fishes down to the current taxonomic rank of suborder and family, where available. This database will be used to test specific aspects of the emerging molecular hypotheses and it will be made available to all ichthyologists. The results will be deposited at DeepFin and Morphbank.
• Populate our web site (www.fishtree.org) with basic information about the project, the latest findings of the group, and the outreach and broader impact contributions.
• Contribute a series of pages to the Tree of Life Web Project that will summarize our present state of knowledge of euteleost relationships and diversity.
• Coordinate with other large-scale fish systematics projects (Cypriniformes and Lower Actinopterygians--if funded) and the Deepfin Research Coordination Network. We will share genes and morphological characters to enhance the combinability of data from independent projects.
• Produce an activity book on discovering the tree of life for elementary and middle school education. The book will have national distribution and use fish as a model for understanding evolution and the common ancestry of life (“tree thinking”).
• Enhance undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training in systematics, molecular phylogenetics, and evolutionary genomics.

   Euteleostei is the crown group of ray-finned fishes, comprising some 346 families, 2,935 genera, and 17,419 species at present count (Nelson, 2005). Over one third of all vertebrate species are euteleosts, including virtually all of the economically important fishes and important genomic, developmental, and physiological model systems. Remarkably, phylogenetic relationships among many euteleost taxa remain unresolved at the level of order, suborder, and family. Indeed, we do not even know if most of these groups are natural groups. Exemplifying this problem is the order Perciformes with 18 unresolved suborders and 70 families of unknown affinity within the suborder Percoidei.

   The EToL project is directed at understanding the unparalleled morphological, genomic, developmental, physiological, and behavioral diversity of euteleost fishes by reconstructing a well-resolved and well-supported “backbone” phylogeny of the group.

   One of the major objectives of this initiative is to encourage work on the euteleost tree of life. If you would like to contribute to these efforts, see our “How to Join” page for further information.

Top