Evolution of Life

Scaling up the study of ecological and evolutionary patterns across the tree of life with diverse data from the field, collections and labs.

Determining the causes and consequences of evolutionary and environmental change is central to understanding life on Earth. Natural history specimens are vital for addressing this because they record how and why organisms and environments have changed over time.

Taxonomists document the diversity of life, while systematists infer interrelationships. Together, their foundational work enables solutions to ecological challenges and helps predict future ecosystem function.

Each year, our scientists discover hundreds of new species. This species identification and categorisation is some of the most critical work we do and underpins all areas of biodiversity science, from conservation and ecosystem ecology to plant and animal study. We can’t understand how species interactions have shaped biodiversity over time or predict how environmental change will affect our planet in the future, without first knowing what species there are, where they occur and how they’re related to each other.

Our work scales up the study of ecological and evolutionary patterns across the tree of life using diverse data from the field, collections and labs. It also emphasises the critical and foundational importance of taxonomy and systematics, as well as training the next generation.

The Evolution of Life Theme also seeks to increase access for students and researchers to taxonomic and systematic training. Scientists of the future will then be able to develop the vital field and specimen-based research that underpins all study of life on Earth.

Projects