The Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), Simple or Complex?
http://www.biolbull.org/cgi/reprint/196/3/373.pdf

Patrick Forterre, Herve Philippe, Biological Bulletin


This is a PDF version of an article that focuses on the difficulties inherent in attempting to root the tree of life and establish the nature of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) using molecular phylogenetics. The authors' aim to debunk the theory that bacteria are at the root of the tree of life. This paper was originally presented at a workshop in 1997 and the discussion that followed the presentation is included at the end of the paper. The data and interpretations presented in this paper are controversial. This would make good reading for undergraduate or graduate students in molecular phylogenetics and evolution.


Subject: Biology:Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Evolution:Patterns, Biology:Evolution, Biology
Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Research Results, Scientific Resources
Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14):College Introductory, College Lower (13-14)
Earth System Topics: Evolution, Biosphere
Theme: Teach the Earth:Teaching Environments:Intro GeoscienceKeywords: last universal common ancestor, LUCA, molecular phylogenetics, tree of life