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

question 74

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.

-If the early history of life on Earth is accurately depicted by this phylogenetic tree, 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:

Ethnomethodologists

Scientists investigating the ways in which individuals use daily interactions to form a collective social understanding.

Social Life

The interactions, activities, and relationships that occur among individuals in societies, forming the basis of social structure and culture.

Studying

The act of devoting time and attention to gaining knowledge on a subject, particularly through reading, research, or practice.

Ethnomethodologists

Social scientists who study the ways in which people make sense of their everyday world through the methods they use in social interaction.