Marina Garrote Lopez: Algebraic Phylogenetics

Abstract

This introductory talk explores the field of algebraic phylogenetics. I will introduce how algebraic statistics is used to study the evolution of species. I will present the usual problems of evolutionary biology and explain how to approach them from an algebraic perspective, using techniques from algebraic geometry and computational algebra.

Specifically, I will talk about the importance of algebraic and semi-algebraic conditions in model selection and phylogenetic tree reconstruction, focusing on gene tree evolution. Finally, I will discuss the identifiability of phylogenetic species networks under the network multispecies coalescent model.