| Reviewed: |
Feb 16, 2002 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
The Tree of Life is a site that contains a large collection of web pages that allow the user to find information about specific groups of organisms. This review is of the beta version of an upgrade to the site. The site blends the needs of active researchers and educators. Each page contains information on a particular group of organisms; the pages are arranged in the form of a phylogenetic tree. The materials detail a current hypothesis of phylogeny, information on the groups, and the literature supporting the cladogram. Biologists who are experts on those organisms author the pages. The phylogenetic tree becomes the means of navigating through the site. On each page is a diagram of that part of the tree and a discussion of topics relating to the particular group on that page, including links to other sources of information. By its very nature, this site will never be complete, as changes to our understanding of the tree will continue to occur. However, at this point, there are numerous incomplete groups of organisms in the tree. The authors are aware of these and plan to gradually complete all parts. A formal peer review program has been established to ensure quality control on what is a very large and complex site that will only become larger in the future. |
| Learning Goals: |
The site was not specifically designed as an educational site. However, education is included in the Project Goals listed below and the authors are encouraging more information of interest to non-biologists be placed on the site.
- to provide a uniform and linked framework in which to publish electronically information about the evolutionary history and characteristics of all groups of organisms.
- to present a modern scientific view of the evolutionary tree that unites all organisms on earth.
- to aid education about and appreciation of biological diversity.
- to provide (eventually) a life-wide data base and searching system about characteristics of organisms.
- to provide a means to find taxon-specific information on the Internet,
both taxonomic and otherwise. |
| Target Student Population: |
Middle School to Professional Biologists |
| Type of Material: |
Collection/database |
| Technical Requirements: |
html |
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