A global phylogenomic study of the Thelypteridaceae

<p><span>The generic classification of the Thelypteridaceae has been the subject of much controversy. Proposed taxonomic systems have varied from recognizing more than 1000 species in the family within the single genus <i>Thelypteris</i>, to systems favoring upwards of 30 genera. Insights on intrafamilial relationships have been gained from recent phylogenetic studies, especially for the Neotropics; however, in the most recent classification, 10 of 30 recognized genera are either non-monophyletic or untested. In the present study, we sequenced 407 nuclear loci for 621 samples, representing all recognized genera and approximately half the known species diversity. Our phylogenomic results, coupled with morphological study, provide a foundation for a new generic classification. Our recently recognized monophyletic genera demonstrate greater geographic coherence than previous taxonomic concepts suggested. Additionally, our results demonstrate that certain morphological characters, such as frond division, are evolutionarily labile, and are thus inadequate for defining genera. </span></p>