Phylogenomics (short review)

Abstract

Phylogenomics covers various areas of research at the intersection of molecular and evolutionary biology, and in a broad sense can be considered as the science of the reconstruction of life on Earth. This paper provides a brief overview of the achievements of phylogenomics, including historical background, research approaches and methods, and specifi c examples, focusing on molecular phylogenies (for diff erent taxonomic levels, from the global tree of eukaryotes to a single family or genus), evolutionary adaptation of species (for example, to life on land, to a predatory, daytime and nocturnal lifestyle), origin and evolution of innovations (such as arachnoid spheres, stomata, acoustic communications), and also horizontal gene transfer in animals and plants.