Phylogenetic Tree- Quartet puzzling

Question

Consider the following neighbor relations:



{N(ac;db),N(ae;db),N(ce;db),N(ac;eb),N(ac;ed)}

Use quartet puzzling to determine the correct tree topology.

Answer 1

The analysis of the given quartets using quartet puzzling reveals strong and consistent grouping of taxa a with c, and d with b, across multiple quartets. Taxon e shows variable relationships but is most often not paired with the other stable pairs. By tabulating and examining these relationships, the consensus tree topology is determined to be (((a,c),(d,b)),e), meaning (a,c) and (d,b) each form clades, which are sister groups, and e is an outgroup to both. This structure best fits the majority of the quartet relationships provided.