Why is there only one Tree of Life ?

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The discussion revolves around the concept of a singular "tree of life" on Earth, questioning why all known life shares a common ancestry despite the favorable conditions for life. It explores the possibility that multiple origins of life may have existed, potentially merging over time, similar to viral interactions. The conversation also considers whether life forms, such as those near deep-sea vents, might have developed independently from the DNA-based life that dominates Earth today. The inquiry emphasizes the complexity of life's origins and evolution, suggesting that while liquid water is essential for life, the evolutionary pathways may not be as straightforward as a single lineage.
Darryl
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If it is claimed that with liquid water, life will probably form, why then would there be only one tree of life on Earth where all life started ?

Why is there not a forest of trees, if the conditions are favourable ?


Or is it the case there there were possibly more than one and they combined at some stage of evolution ? Like viruses ?

And does all life on Earth belong to the same basic DNA based tree of life, or has there been examples (deep water vents or something) where life has appeared to have developed independly to our DNA based life.

Thanks alot, and I hope its not a silly question :)
 
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