Final answer:
Neil Shubin is the scientist who used an integrative approach to study the evolution of tetrapod limbs, contributing significantly to evolutionary biology. His work exemplifies the use of interdisciplinary methods to uncover the history of life and update the phylogenetic tree.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scientist who has used an integrative approach to understand how the tetrapod limb evolved is Neil Shubin. Shubin's work, combining paleontology, genetics, and anatomy, has greatly advanced our understanding of the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. This interdisciplinary approach, which is characteristic of integrative biology, facilitates a comprehensive understanding of living processes and evolution, highlighting how disciplines such as morphology, biochemistry, and systemic data collection contribute to deciphering the history of life on Earth. The phylogenetic tree, an important tool in evolutionary biology, is regularly updated with new findings, reflecting the dynamic nature of the field and the ongoing process of evolution.
Evolutionary biology studies the diversity of life through an evolutionary lens, understanding that variation and natural selection guide the emergence of new species. This process has been supported by a variety of evidence from different scientific disciplines, including DNA analysis and fossil records. Neil Shubin's landmark discovery of the transitional fossil Tiktaalik roseae provides a clear example of how evolutionary biology uses integrative methods to bridge gaps in our knowledge of life's history.