Have you ever wondered what a complete taxonomy tree would look like? Until recently, such a visualization didn’t exist. But thanks to the dedication of a data enthusiast, we can now marvel at the entire tree of life in all its glory.
The creator of this masterpiece used the largest taxonomy database available, GBIF, which contains an astonishing 4,452,270 taxa. To put this into perspective, it took 40 minutes of processing time using a force-directed algorithm to generate the tree, and several months of work to turn it into an interactive, zoomable, color-coded, and labeled map-like view.
But what makes this visualization truly remarkable is the sheer scale of it. For the first time, we can see the entire tree of life laid out before us, with every branch and leaf accounted for. It’s a testament to the power of data visualization to reveal hidden patterns and connections.
The Technology Behind the Magic
The visualization was made possible using Graphviz for layout and Gephi Toolkit for rendering. The result is a stunning visual representation of the vast diversity of life on Earth.
Exploring the Tree
The interactive visualization allows you to zoom in and out, explore different branches, and discover new species. It’s an incredible tool for scientists, researchers, and anyone curious about the natural world.
A New Era of Data Visualization
This achievement marks a new era in data visualization, where complex data sets can be transformed into beautiful, interactive, and insightful visualizations. It’s a reminder that data, when presented in the right way, can be a powerful tool for discovery and exploration.
Take a closer look at the full tree of life and explore the wonders of the natural world: link
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