Updating the evolutionary history of Carnivora (Mammalia): a new species-level supertree complete with divergence time estimates

In total, 188 source trees were combined, representing 114 trees from the literature together with 74 newly constructed gene trees derived from nearly 45,000 bp of sequence data from GenBank. The greater availability of sequence data means that the new supertree is almost completely resolved and also better reflects current phylogenetic opinion (for example, supporting a monophyletic Mephitidae, Eupleridae and Prionodontidae; placing Nandinia binotata as sister to the remaining Feliformia). Following an initial rapid radiation, diversification rate analyses indicate a downturn in the net speciation rate within the past three million years as well as a possible increase some 18.0 million years ago; numerous diversification rate shifts within the order were also identified.Together, the two carnivore supertrees remain the only complete phylogenetic estimates for all extant species and the new supertree, like the old one, will form a key tool in helping us to further understand the biology of this charismatic group of carnivores.Carnivora (lions, tigers and bears, among others) represent a medium-sized order within Mammalia. It is noteworthy for the charismatic appeal of many of its members as well as the large diversity harbored within it. With its inclusion of both terrestrial and aquatic species, Carnivora is one of few mammalian orders to occur naturally on all the continents. It also presents one of the largest size ranges of any mammalian order among its extant representatives at some five to six orders of magnitude between the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis, 35 to 250 g) and the Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina, 2200 to 5000 kg).With its publication, the carnivore supertree of Bininda-Emonds et al. [1] provided the first complete species-level phylogeny of this diverse mammalian order that was based on a robust, repeatable methodology. In the intervening 10 years, the carnivore supertree has formed the basis for numerous studies illuminating the biology o