Molecular phylogenies can be used to reject null models of the way we think evolution
occurred, including patterns of lineage extinction. They can also be used to provide
maximum likelihood estimates of parameters associated with lineage birth and death rates.
We illustrate:(i) how molecular phylogenies provide information about the extent to which
particular clades are likely to be under threat from extinction;(ii) how cursory analyses of
molecular phylogenies can lead to incorrect conclusions about the evolutionary processes …