Botanists have uncovered the intricate evolutionary relationships among flowering plants using a vast amount of genomic data from more than 9500 species. This genetic discovery, led by an international team of 279 scientists, offers unprecedented insight into the rise of flowering plants to ecological dominance on Earth and their pivotal role in sustaining the planet’s ecosystems.
The newly compiled tree of life for flowering plants, detailed in a recent paper published in the journal Nature, unveils the most up-to-date understanding of their evolutionary history. This remarkable achievement, presented by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, provides a comprehensive view of the vast diversity of flowering plants, covering almost 60% of known flowering plant genera.
Flowering plants, or angiosperms, comprise about 90% of land-dwelling plants and are crucial for maintaining Earth’s ecosystems. Their importance is evident in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, producing oxygen, and serving as a fundamental component of the human diet. The genetic exploration of these plants marks a significant milestone in our understanding of their origins and will play a pivotal role in guiding future conservation efforts.
The researchers utilized 1.8 billion letters of genetic code from a diverse array of species, covering approximately 8,000 known flowering plant genera. This comprehensive approach sheds new light on the evolutionary history of flowering plants and their rise to ecological dominance on Earth. The study also presents a detailed account of how angiosperms appeared and flourished during the age of dinosaurs and how they have continued to transform over time.
Moreover, the scientists incorporated an examination of 200 fossils, further enhancing the depth of understanding regarding the evolutionary trajectory of flowering plants. This research has resulted in a new tree of life for angiosperms, encompassing an expansive array of flowering plant types, nearly 15 times more than previous comparative studies.
The vast dataset and insights obtained from this genetic exploration represent a leap forward in unraveling the mysteries of flowering plants and their evolutionary journey. It provides a solid foundation for future research, paving the way for more targeted conservation efforts and a deeper comprehension of the pivotal role played by flowering plants in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
