Carl Woese

Carl Woese was a pioneering microbiologist who transformed our understanding of life’s basic classification. He discovered a new domain of life called Archaea, consisting of microorganisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes (like plants and animals). Using genetic analysis, he identified these microbes based on their RNA, revealing deep evolutionary differences. This led to the modern three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Woese’s work fundamentally changed biological taxonomy, highlighting the complex evolutionary history of life and emphasizing the importance of genetic information in understanding life's diversity.