the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a metaphor used in biology to illustrate the relationships among various living organisms. It represents how species have evolved and diversified over time from common ancestors. The branches of the tree symbolize different groups of organisms, such as plants, animals, and fungi, with the trunk representing the earliest life forms. This concept helps scientists understand the evolutionary connections and shared characteristics among species, showing that all life on Earth is interrelated, much like family branches in a genealogical tree.