Toric and Non-toric Bayesian Networks

Abstract

In this paper we study Bayesian networks from a commutative algebra perspective. We characterize a class of toric Bayesian nets, and provide the first example of a Bayesian net which is proved non-toric under any linear change of variables. Concerning the class of toric Bayesian nets, we study their quadratic relations and prove a conjecture by Garcia, Stillman, and Sturmfels for this class. In addition, we give a necessary condition on the underlying directed acyclic graph for when all relations are quadratic.