This research paper analyzes phylogenetic relationships and Most Recent Common Ancestors (MRCA) between diverse species including humans, lions, corn, and firmicutes bacteria. The analysis examines evolutionary timelines ranging from 4.70 million years ago to 4.29 billion years ago, correlating ancestral divergence points with Earth's environmental conditions. Key findings demonstrate how environmental factors like solar luminosity, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen availability influenced evolutionary pathways throughout geological time.
The species I selected in this first instance are human (Homo sapiens) and the lion (Panthera leo). To a large extent, my selection was out of curiosity. The Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) in this case happens to be 96 MYA. I made use of the estimated time. It is important to note that at the point of this break, Earth was experiencing an increase in solar luminosity, a decline in carbon dioxide levels, and an increase in oxygen levels.
In the second instance, the species I selected were human (Homo sapiens) and corn (Zea mays subsp. mays). This selection was made for fun. The Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) in this case is 1496 MYA. I made use of the estimated time. Essentially, at the point of this break, Earth was experiencing an increase in solar luminosity, very low carbon dioxide levels, and constant oxygen levels.
Third, the species I selected were human (Homo sapiens) and firmicutes (Firmicutes). This selection was made out of curiousity. The Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) on this front happens to be 4290 MYA. I used the estimated time. Essentially, at the point of this break, Earth was experiencing an increase in solar luminosity, very high carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen was nonexistent.
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