Directions: Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.  In particular, think about how this new model builds on our previous understanding of the “Tree of Life”.

Article: Scientists Unveil New ‘Tree of Life’ – NYTimes

Questions:

1. Describe how this new tree of life differs from the one developed by Woese in the 1970s.  Make sure that you include a description of both models.
2. Explain how the scientists involved got the samples to construct their new tree of life.
3. Describe where Banfield and her colleagues found many of the new species and where they expect to find more new species.
4. Suggest reasons why these species may have remained undiscovered until recently.
5. Describe and evaluate the criticism of this new tree of life.
6. Evaluate how you think this new tree of life might alter our view of our own species and our place in evolutionary history.