microbial phylogeny

Microbial phylogeny is the study of the evolutionary relationships among microorganisms, such as bacteria and archaea. It uses genetic, biochemical, and morphological characteristics to classify and trace their history. By analyzing DNA sequences, scientists can create a "family tree" that shows how different microbes are related to each other and how they evolved over time. This understanding helps in fields like medicine, ecology, and biotechnology by revealing how microbes interact with their environments, how they can cause diseases, or how they can be harnessed for beneficial uses.