Over the past three years, researchers from a dozen of institutions combined tens of thousands of tree into one giant circle that represent all 2.3 millions species. While only about 5 of all species have been genetically sequenced, biologists are working on increasing that number. As they do, the relationships between species may change and this map may look different.
Anyone can propose updates to the database (
OpenTreeOfLife.org). Greater detail could improve understanding of evolution and help scientists invent drugs, make crops more productive and better control infectious diseases.
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