Phylogenomics

Phylogenomics is the intersection of the fields of evolution and genomics.^[1] The term has been used in multiple ways to refer to analysis that involves genome data and evolutionary reconstructions.^[2] It is a group of techniques within the larger fields of phylogenetics and genomics. Phylogenomics draws information by comparing entire genomes, or at least large portions of genomes.^[3] Phylogenetics compares and analyzes the sequences of single genes, or a small number of genes, as well as many other types of data. Four major areas fall under phylogenomics:

• Prediction of gene function
• Establishment and clarification of evolutionary relationships
• Gene family evolution
• Prediction and retracing lateral gene transfer.

The ultimate goal of phylogenomics is to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species through their genomes. This history is usually inferred from a series of genomes by using a genome evolution model and standard statistical inference methods (e.g. Bayesian inference or maximum likelihood estimation). ^[4]