Ultimately, the best demographic model was a polytomy, yet a model of rapid divergence with gene flow provided a nearly identical fit to the empirical data. Even though we think true "hard polytomies" are rare in nature, rapid divergence with gene flow is becoming recognized as relatively common.

The main conclusion is in the title "Rapid divergence with gene flow creates intractable nodes in the tree of life". One favorite result was that random downsampling of the tips resulted in conflicting species trees, at times with high support! Concerning implications for higher-level phylogenetics!

My 2nd dissertation chapter, entitled "Rapid divergence with gene flow creates intractable nodes in the tree of life: An empirical demonstration in the Buzzing Flowerpecker" will be in the forthcoming special issue of EJLS focused on phylogenomic discordance. Link: academic.oup.com/evolinnean/a...