Rooted Phylogenetic Networks for Exploratory Data Analysis

Rooted evolutionary networks have previously been used solely for representing explicit hypotheses of evolutionary history (i.e. a phylogeny). However, they also have potential for exploratory data analysis. An example is presented here that highlights this use. This involves a study of possible transmission histories of a nematode parasite among cattle farms in Sweden. The network adds considerably to the practical information that can be gleaned from a study of the transmission of the pathogen, thus emphasizing the practicality of this use of phylogenetic networks for exploratory analysis.