phylogenetics

Build phylogenetic trees from FASTA sequences using MAFFT, IQ-TREE 2, and ETE3.

74|5|Updated Dec 10, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dralkh/seerai --skill phylogenetics-dralkh
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: phylogenetics
Source: https://github.com/dralkh/seerai/tree/main/skills/phylogenetics
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dralkh/seerai --skill phylogenetics-dralkh

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires mafft, iqtree2, fasttree, ete3, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

It removes the manual complexity of turning raw biological sequences into reliable evolutionary trees, helping researchers move from FASTA files to interpretable phylogenies with less guesswork.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Multiple sequence alignment with MAFFT for nucleotide or protein datasets of varying sizes.
  • Tree inference and support assessment with IQ-TREE 2 or FastTree, including model selection, bootstrapping, and outgroup or midpoint rooting.
  • Visualization and summary analysis with ETE3 for rendering trees, computing basic statistics, pruning clades, and inspecting common ancestors.
  • Use cases include microbial genomics, viral phylodynamics, protein family analysis, molecular clock studies, and comparative evolutionary research.

Quick Start

Ask the assistant to take my FASTA file, align it with MAFFT, infer a phylogenetic tree with IQ-TREE 2, and render the rooted tree with ETE3.

Frequently Asked Questions about phylogenetics

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I build a phylogenetic tree from a FASTA file?

To build a phylogenetic tree from a FASTA file, you first align sequences with MAFFT, infer the tree using IQ-TREE 2 or FastTree, and then render it with ETE3. This automates the entire workflow from raw sequences to an interpretable rooted phylogeny.

What is the best way to perform multiple sequence alignment for phylogenetic analysis?

The best way to perform multiple sequence alignment for phylogenetic analysis is using MAFFT. It handles nucleotide or protein datasets of varying sizes, providing the accurately aligned sequences required for reliable downstream tree inference.

Does IQ-TREE 2 support model selection and bootstrapping for molecular evolution studies?

Yes, IQ-TREE 2 supports model selection and bootstrapping for molecular evolution studies. It performs tree inference and support assessment, including outgroup or midpoint rooting, to ensure accurate evolutionary relationships.

Can I use ETE3 to visualize and prune phylogenetic trees?

Yes, you can use ETE3 to visualize and prune phylogenetic trees. It enables rendering trees, computing basic statistics, pruning clades, and inspecting common ancestors for comprehensive evolutionary analysis.

How do I infer viral outbreak phylogenies from raw genomic sequences?

To infer viral outbreak phylogenies from raw genomic sequences, align the data with MAFFT, infer the tree using FastTree or IQ-TREE 2, and analyze the rooted phylogeny with ETE3 for viral phylodynamics and molecular clock studies.