The procedure for accurate bootstrap support that measures shifts on a phylogenetic tree

I began conducting this research project in Biostatistics Department under the supervision of
Professor Cecile Ane since Spring 2016.In this study, I focus on the methodology of the bootstrap
procedure of shift detection on the phylogenetic (genealogical) tree which is a diagram showing
the evolutionary relationships among different species. A shift indicates a place on the phylogenetic tree
where dynamic diversification of morphological traits has occurred. Higher precision for detecting shifts
is important because it points out the places where major morphological changes have happened on the tree.
Furthermore, it helps biologists figure out the relations among certain species which are morphologically
identical and explore how they evolved into their current status.

I used R packages l1ou and phylolm in this research project.