Character Matrix and Cladogram Construction of Selected Fungi for Phylogenetic Analysis

Six fungi species were selected to construct a character matrix and cladogram, with Corynespora cassiicola, Curvularia lunata, Pseudopithomyces angolensis, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium oxysporum as the ingroup and Ochroconis mirabilis as the outgroup. The cladogram was constructed based on ancestral and derived traits. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the most closely related fungus species, identify the closest and farthest living relatives, and discuss their historical biogeography and host-parasite co-evolution. The results showed symplesiomorphy, synapomorphy, homoplasy, and autapomorphy among the species. Furthermore, the implications of the phylogenetic analysis on the historical biogeography and host-parasite co-evolution of the selected taxa show that the species are widely distributed in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia and evolved to live on human skin and nails, aquatic vertebrates, decomposing plants, and agricultural crops.