This Complete Tree of Life Maps the Last 3.5 Billion Years of Life on Earth
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — September 24, 2015 — Tech
References: opentreeoflife.org & mic
This complete tree of life aims to trace every specie on Earth back to its origins.
A tree of life -- also called a phylogenetic or evolutionary tree -- is a mapped diagram that shows how every species of life on Earth is connected to every other species, living or extinct. So, for example, the current species of humans, homo sapiens, can be traced back to homo erectus, and connected to modern primates.
This current project, designed by a team of researchers at Duke University, aims to be the most complete tree of life ever created. To this end, it's also an open tree -- meaning that other researchers, scientists and even the general public are free to comment on and suggest additions to the giant tree of life. Eventually, the complete tree of life will include the 1.8 million Earthly life forms already named by humanity, and will continue to expand as we work to identify all 8.7 million forms that exist on our planet.
A tree of life -- also called a phylogenetic or evolutionary tree -- is a mapped diagram that shows how every species of life on Earth is connected to every other species, living or extinct. So, for example, the current species of humans, homo sapiens, can be traced back to homo erectus, and connected to modern primates.
This current project, designed by a team of researchers at Duke University, aims to be the most complete tree of life ever created. To this end, it's also an open tree -- meaning that other researchers, scientists and even the general public are free to comment on and suggest additions to the giant tree of life. Eventually, the complete tree of life will include the 1.8 million Earthly life forms already named by humanity, and will continue to expand as we work to identify all 8.7 million forms that exist on our planet.
Trend Themes
1. Complete Tree of Life - Opportunity for creating comprehensive visualizations and databases that map the interconnectedness of all species on Earth.
2. Open Tree - Potential for collaborative platforms that allow researchers, scientists, and the public to contribute to and enhance the tree of life mapping project.
3. Expansion of Life Forms - Opportunity to develop technologies and methodologies for identifying and documenting the millions of undiscovered life forms on Earth.
Industry Implications
1. Science and Research - Innovations in data visualization and collaborative platforms can benefit the scientific community in understanding the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
2. Education and Outreach - Development of interactive educational tools and public engagement initiatives centered around the complete tree of life project.
3. Biodiversity Conservation - Applications of the complete tree of life in conservation efforts and impact assessments for preserving and managing biodiversity.
4.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
