The Wondrous Tree of Life

The concept of the tree of life is one that is present in biology, most forms of religion, and even philosophy. It symbolizes interconnection and in evolutionary context; common descent. It is truly amazing how several bodies of knowledge can come up with the same concept even through separation. It does give a lot of credence to the concept itself.


Biology

The tree of life in modern biology is known as the phylogenetic tree. It is used metaphorically to describe the relationship between all modern organisms and strongly implies a term known as common descent. Common descent meaning that all organisms can be traced back to single ancestor. Phylogenetic trees are based on genetic information and there are a few slight limitations. The main problem being that organisms can occur through hybridization which would result in the tree branches, converging into branches. But perhaps the most interesting thing about the phylogenetic tree is it never stops growing.

Organisms who have gone extinct can read dead ends at the end of their branches. However those organisms who survive can continuously grow new branches as long as their lineages survive. If the tree were to ever stop branching off and growing, it would most likely mean either the end of life or the end of evolution. Although both scenarios are unlikely to happen. If you want to see the ongoing diagram of the tree of life you can visit the official website

Theology

The tree of live has existed in many different religious cultures in doctrines. A few prime examples being Christianity, Ancient Egyptian Culture, Ancient Persian Culture, Armenian Culture, Kaballah, Mayan Culture, Mesoamerican Culture, and at least 25 other cultures that we have identified. It should be noted that in all these cultures the tree seems to have very similar properties

1. The tree connects the heavens and the earth
2. One could gain immortality by eating the blessed fruit of the tree
3. One could become fertile by eating the trees fruit
4. Life and Death are enclosed within the tree. 
5. Fruit of the tree has healing properties

For example, in Ancient Egyptian mythology, the first couple known as Isis and Osiris emerged from an acacia tree. This tree was known as the tree of life and was especially known for the fourth property stated above. Another example would be the christian tree of life which was described as bountiful and filled with all manners of fruit. The fruit of the tree was also known to have healing properties and grant the user immortality. Adam and Eve the first humans according to the bible were cast out of the garden before they ate the fruit and thus never gained immortality. 

Or even Norse Mythology which named their tree of life Yggdrasil. Ygdrasil is known as the world tree and its branches reaches to the heavens where the gods reside. And its roots connect the "nine realms." I could go on about countless other stories which seem to have the tree of life concept. It really does make you wonder how much truth there is to this concept.

Conclusion

As you can see there are parallels between the tree of life in biology and theology. Both trees have come to represent life metaphorically. Both are "Immortal" in its own sense. Both are based relate to the interconnection of the world/universe. The best thing that we can learn from this is that truth is not easily attainable by one body of knowledge. Only when we have expanded ourselves to look from multiple perspectives can we actually see the true form of truth.