Before 1977, all life on Earth was classified into two groups: single-celled microorganisms and complex cellular life such as fungi, plants, and animals. A seminal discovery in 1977 rewrote the tree of life and introduced a whole new domain of organisms known as the archaea – mysterious microbes that are genetically distinct from bacteria. Fast forward to the 21st century, and again new discoveries about archaea are leading scientists to reshape the tree of life and rewrite the evolutionary history of complex organisms. Dr. Dipti Nayak introduces the fascinating organisms known as archaea and explains how they are helping scientists answer the question Where do we come from?.
View the full talk with additional resources on our website
Archaea and the Tree of Life
Dr. Dipti Nayak explains how the mysterious microbes known as archaea are helping scientists rewrite the tree of life. (Talk recorded in December 2019)
- Part 1: Archaea and the Tree of LifeAudience:
- General Public
- Student
- Educators
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
Duration: 00:12:41 - Part 2: Mysteries of the MethanogensAudience:
- Student
- Researcher
- Educators
- Educators of H. School / Intro Undergrad
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:10:47