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Related Concept Videos

What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.
The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes02:40

The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes

The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both extant and...
The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
Origin of Cellular Life01:24

Origin of Cellular Life

The origin of life on Earth is a complex and enigmatic event rooted in ancient biochemical processes and geological conditions. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that life began with the spontaneous formation of organic molecules such as RNA nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids under early Earth conditions. Factors like volcanic activity, intense UV radiation, and a reducing atmosphere without free oxygen likely facilitated these reactions. Hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor are...
Phylogeny01:23

Phylogeny

Phylogeny is concerned with the evolutionary diversification of organisms or groups of organisms. A group of organisms with a name is called a taxon (singular). Taxa (plural) can span different levels of the evolutionary hierarchy. For instance, the group containing all birds is a taxon (comprising the class Aves), and the group of all species of daisies (the genus Bellis) is a taxon. Phylogenies can likewise include just one genus (i.e., depict species relationships) or span an entire kingdom.
Eukaryotic Evolution01:24

Eukaryotic Evolution

The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...

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Updated: May 31, 2026

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
08:57

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

Early evolution without a tree of life.

William F Martin1

  • 1Institut of Botany III, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. w.martin@uni-duesseldorf.de

Biology Direct
|July 1, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Life

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Early life evolution involved key transitions.
  • The origin of prokaryotes and eukaryotes are significant evolutionary events.
  • Lateral gene transfer and endosymbiosis complicate evolutionary pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine major evolutionary transitions without a tree of life.
  • To explore the bioenergetic basis for evolutionary gaps.
  • To understand microbial genome evolution beyond treelike models.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of early evolutionary transitions.
  • Consideration of bioenergetic factors in evolution.
  • Examination of microbial genome evolution dynamics.

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A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
08:57

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
07:37

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications

Published on: January 19, 2018

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts
12:00

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

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Main Results:

  • Prokaryote origins likely depended on molecular hydrogen from serpentinization.
  • Microbial genome evolution is non-treelike due to gene transfer and endosymbiosis.
  • A bioenergetic cause underlies the lack of intermediates in prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition.

Conclusions:

  • Life's origins and evolution are fundamentally chemical.
  • Evolutionary pathways, especially microbial, are complex and non-linear.
  • Bioenergetics plays a critical role in shaping major evolutionary transitions.