G. E. Budd

A covariant model of molecular and diversification patterns through time and the history of large clades

The paper develops a covariant model that integrates diversification and molecular/morphological evolution, showing that modern diversity is dominated by a few large clades with high early radiation rates and that molecular change is independent of lineage height.

Two notorious nodes: a critical examination of MCMCTree relaxed molecular clock estimates of the bilaterian animals and placental mammals

This paper examines MCMCTree relaxed molecular clock estimates for bilaterian animals and placental mammals, finding that the results are not supported by the fossil record and often overestimate clade origins.

Fossil data do not support a long Pre-Cretaceous history of flowering plants

The paper challenges the conclusion of Silvestro et al. that angiosperms originated in the Cretaceous, arguing their methodology is flawed and their results conflict with fossil evidence.

A single origin of animal excretory organs

This study identifies a conserved molecular and structural basis for excretory organs across diverse animal species, suggesting a single evolutionary origin.

The dynamics of stem and crown groups

The paper models stem and crown group diversity using a birth-death model to explain patterns in the fossil record and their implications for evolutionary dynamics.

History is written by the victors: the effect of the push of the past on the fossil record

The paper examines how survivorship biases, specifically the 'push of the past', affect diversification patterns and fossil records by creating apparent rate heterogeneities through time.