My role as illustration consultant for a textbook on biophysical and biomechanical adaptation involves a large amount of editing, reconfiguring, and standardizing figures created by several authors, but it also gives me the opportuity to create some original figures. One of these involves a diagram of the tree of life to provide some biological background for some of the engineering and physical science students using the book. The tree of life is a complex and mysterious thing, as scientists work diligently to determine the relationships and interrelationships of all of the various groups. I created this image to represent the most up to date information available on Phylum Animalia, it is still a work in progress. With biologists everywere, I shall patiently await further resolution!