Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Methods

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Methods both involve the use of an evolutionary model to make inferences about phylogenetic relationships. They operate under a set of assumptions about how evolution occurs, and while they primarily focus on statistical probabilities, they can be used in conjunction with the principle of parsimony to evaluate the simplest evolutionary pathways. The description in option E accurately summarizes how these methods question the probability of observed data arising from a proposed evolutionary model and tree (Maximum Likelihood), and how likely a particular phylogenetic tree is correct given the observed data and a specific evolutionary model (Bayesian Methods).