FIGURE 1.

Why do we need predictions? (1) To test hypotheses of evolution for a better fundamental understanding of evolving systems. Based on their phylogenetic history we can predict how species evolve when exposed to a given treatment. These predictions can be tested with experimental evolution approaches. (2) To be prepared for future outbreaks, we aim to match vaccines with the most common influenza strains each year. (3) To have control over evolutionary outcomes and design treatment strategies that prevent the evolution of resistance from happening in pathogens. In this review, we focus on predicting evolution for goals (2) and (3), while (1) plays a role in obtaining the information on the basis of these predictions.