11/21/2023 0 Comments Tree of life biology![]() Closely related strains of disease (e.g., the flu) will likely respond similarly to similar vaccines. Close relatives of crops are the best source of genes for disease and drought resistance. ![]() Closely related organisms may produce similar chemical compounds of medicinal value to our species. We can use the Tree of Life to inform, discover, and solve major problems that affect our own species. In much the same way as understanding your family tree is enlightening, the Tree of Life similarly has informative and predictive value. We all seem to have a fascination with family trees-who were my ancestors? How am I related to others? In addition, we all understand clearly that if a close relative has a disease that is inherited, say a certain cancer, then there is a good probability that we may have inherited the genes for that trait ( Fig. Given the many benefits, it is therefore hard to summarize, in a few words, the immense implications and applications of the Tree of Life to biology and human well-being.Īll of these benefits of a better knowledge of phylogeny and the Tree of Life are made possible for the same reason that a clear understanding of your own family tree is important-knowledge of relationships matters. This information has also had major impacts in the diverse fields of genomics, evolution, and development, while providing insights into the study of adaptation, speciation, community assembly, and ecosystem functioning. Broad knowledge of species relationships is fundamental, providing crucial new information regarding the discovery of medicines, combatting diseases, and crop improvement. ![]() Through yielding powerful insights into the past, the Tree of Life provides a means to interpret the patterns and processes of evolution, as well as the ability to predict the responses of life in the face of rapid environmental change. To this insightful phrase, numerous biologists studying biodiversity have added the corollary:Įverything in biology makes more sense in light of phylogeny.Īs portions of the Tree of Life (e.g., vertebrates, butterflies) have been better resolved, together with the recent publication of the first rough draft tree of all named life (see Chapter 3), the scientific community, as well as the general public, have increasingly come to appreciate its value. As closely related species will often respond in similar ways to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture availability, the Tree of Life can also provide critical information in predicting how species may respond to climate change. Knowledge of the Tree of Life can also aid in the study of ecology and conservation efforts. Knowledge of species relationships and the Tree of Life can help in the discovery of new medicines-closely related organisms produce similar chemicals similarly, that knowledge of relationships is essential to improve crops by identifying close wild relatives that may have important traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance). Similarly, broad knowledge of relationships is fundamental, providing crucial new information regarding the discovery of medicines, combatting disease, crop improvement, while also providing insight into the study of ecosystem function and services (clean air and water). For example, if a close relative has a disease or cancer that is genetically inherited, we realize that there is a chance we may have inherited that trait. We all know from our own family trees that relationships matter. Knowledge of how organisms are related has predictive value. First, the immense overall importance of biodiversity not only involves providing food, medicines, and ecosystem services such as clean air and water, but also a second major theme of this chapter is the importance to human well-being of knowledge of how species are related. ![]() The vast importance of the Tree of Life falls into several general categories. The value of the Tree of Life to human well-being and survival is enormous-our species simply cannot thrive without a biodiverse planet that is, a healthy Tree of Life. ![]()
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