Classification of life by the mechanism of genome size evolution

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new classification of life based on circular phylogeny derived from protein length distributions, explaining genome size evolution and clarifying the C-value enigma.

Contribution

It introduces a novel concept of circular phylogeny and defines domains by phylogenetic circles, offering a new framework for understanding life's evolution.

Findings

Species form circular phylogenetic relationships.

Domains are defined by stable phylogenetic circles.

Genome size evolution mechanisms explain the C-value enigma.

Abstract

The classification of life should be based upon the fundamental mechanism in the evolution of life. We found that the global relationships among species should be circular phylogeny, which is quite different from the common sense based upon phylogenetic trees. The genealogical circles can be observed clearly according to the analysis of protein length distributions of contemporary species. Thus, we suggest that domains can be defined by distinguished phylogenetic circles, which are global and stable characteristics of living systems. The mechanism in genome size evolution has been clarified; hence main component questions on C-value enigma can be explained. According to the correlations and quasi-periodicity of protein length distributions, we can also classify life into three domains.