There are perhaps ten million species on Earth, joined together by common ancestry. But even 3000 species are practically impossible to represent on a single evolutionary tree. So how shall we ever see the tree of life (especially if it’s also a web in parts)? That’s the subject of my latest article in tomorrow’s New York Times, “Crunching Data for the Tree of Life.” It’s one of a set of stories the Times is publishing in observation of Darwin’s birthday. Check them all out.
Author: Lori Jia
Over at Science, I’m doing a little guest-blogging this months on their Origins blog. My post today is on interplanetary kudzu and other things that NASA can learn from Darwin. Check it out.
Originally published February 6, 2009. Copyright 2009 Carl Zimmer.
In honor of Darwin’s birthday, Forbes publishes a piece by Young-Earth creationist Ken Ham. US News and World Report publishes another piece by another Young-Earth creationist, Henry Morris III.
Sorry guys, but I just can’t find the strength to link to your stunts.
Thanks to Pharyngula and Knight Science Journalism Tracker for spoiling my afternoon. (Huh, that’s funny–I was able to link to them.)
Originally published February 6, 2009. Copyright 2009 Carl Zimmer.
A grad student who asked to remain anonymous writes, “The tree seems to be a potent symbol of life in human (at least Western) culture, and what better way to augment this symbol by putting the code for life (DNA) at its base? I got this tattoo to commemorate the beginning of my PhD in immunology.”
Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium.
Originally published February 6, 2009. Copyright 2009 Carl Zimmer.
The book costs $8,539. The reviews on Amazon are priceless.
(Hat tip, Dr. Prerogative of Harlots)
Originally published February 5, 2009. Copyright 2009 Carl Zimmer.