Why Is Sexual Reproduction Believed to Be the Ancestral State

question 47

Multiple Choice

Why is sexual reproduction believed to be the ancestral state in eukaryotes?

• A) Asexual reproduction is completely absent from basal unicellular eukaryotes.
• B) Under the parsimony principle, the most common form of a trait's state is always the ancestral state.
• C) The "twiggy" distribution of obligate asexual reproduction in phylogenetic trees suggests that asexuality is a derived trait.
• D) Evolutionary models suggest that obligate asexual taxa are more prone to extinction than sexual ones.

---

Definitions:

Bones

The rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates, providing support, protection, and aiding in movement.

Plasma

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, consisting of ionized gases with positive ions and free electrons.

Alkalosis

Condition characterized by blood pH of 7.45 or above.

Hyperkalemia

A condition in which there is an excessively high level of potassium ions in the blood, potentially leading to serious heart rhythm problems.