Diversos niveles de lectura de las representaciones filogenéticas

Abstract

The Tree of Life is a translation of the phylogenetic phenomenon into an image. It is elaborated by means of a complex abstraction process of morphological and genetic notes. The Tree formalizes what evolutionary biology detects in the connection of beings along time. The Tree constitutes a semiotic product. The Tree of Life fi gure does not include any explanation about the evolutionary process. It merely indicates the community of living beings and their probable common origin. The Tree gives to thinking beyond its univocal aim –phylogeny– towards a global perspective of history of Life. Even though Tree of Life may be a scientifi c construction, it also operates as a symbol in its ability to generate a metascientific understanding of Life.