Species Tree Estimation Using ASTRAL: Practical Considerations

Abstract: ASTRAL is a method for reconstructing species trees after inferring a set of gene trees and is increasingly used in phylogenomic analyses. It is statistically consistent under the multi-species coalescent model, is scalable, and has shown high accuracy in simulated and empirical studies. This chapter discusses practical considerations in using ASTRAL, starting with a review of published results and pointing to the strengths and weaknesses of species tree estimation using ASTRAL. It then continues to detail the best ways to prepare input gene trees, interpret ASTRAL outputs, and perform follow-up analyses.