Interpretation of phylogenetic tree branches as features and its application to conservation planning.

<p>Tips of a phylogenetic tree are marked with + (presence) or - (absence) to indicate their representation for each of three sites. The subtree (in colour) that connects this set of tips to the root consists of a set of branches (numbered 1–8) that, when summed, constitutes the phylogenetic diversity of that site. Each of these branches are coded in the table as conservation features that are either present or absent for each site based on the presence or absence of the relevant tips. Branches marked in orange are represented in Site 1 while red branches are not represented in Site 1. Site 2 is the most complementary to Site 1 as it adds the most new features (and branch length). Therefore, in a scenario where Site 1 is already protected and only one other site can be chosen for protection, Site 2 should be added to the protected set (indicated by the grey box).