The Following Questions Refer to This Phylogenetic Tree, Depicting the Origins

question 56

Multiple Choice

The following questions refer to this phylogenetic tree, depicting the origins of life and of the three domains. Horizontal lines indicate instances of gene or genome transfer.

Figure 26.4. A possible phylogenetic tree for the three domains of life.
-If the early history of life on Earth is accurately depicted by Figure 26.4, then which statement is least in agreement with the hypothesis proposed by this tree?

• A) The last universal common ancestor of all extant species is better described as a community of organisms, rather than an individual species.
• B) The origin of the three domains appears as a polytomy.
• C) Archaean genomes should contain genes that originated in bacteria, and vice versa.
• D) Eukaryotes are more closely related to archaeans than to bacteria.

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Definitions:

Net Present Value

A financial metric that calculates the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the present value of cash outflows over a period of time.

Dollar Amount

Indicates a specific value of money, usually in U.S. dollars, mentioned in financial transactions, budgets, and pricing.

Minimax Strategy

A decision-making strategy, especially in game theory, aiming to minimize the possible loss for a worst case (maximum loss) scenario.

Largest Cost

Refers to the highest expense in either a specific project or operation typically identified to assess and reduce financial outlays.