The tree of life is a metaphorical representation of the relationships between different species on Earth. It is often depicted as a branching diagram, with each branch representing a different species and the points of divergence indicating the evolutionary split between different groups of organisms. The tree of life is used in evolutionary biology to study the relationships between different species and to understand the patterns of diversification and evolution that have occurred throughout the history of life on Earth. Researchers use genetic data, fossil records, and other evidence to construct and refine the tree of life, helping to shed light on the origins and relationships of all living organisms.