Branching points at the root of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree ________.
A) reveal that unikonts are derived from the SAR clade
B) suggest that Archaeplastids were the first eukaryotes
C) strongly suggest that fungi are more closely related to plants than animals
D) are presently unclear

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Branching points at the root of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree are presently unclear. While there is evidence to suggest various hypotheses, such as the suggestion that the SAR clade gave rise to unikonts or that Archaeplastids were the first eukaryotes, none of these hypotheses have been definitively proven. Thus, the best answer is that the branching points at the root of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree are presently unclear. The option (C) is incorrect because fungi are not more closely related to plants than animals.

Branching Points at the Root of the Eukaryotic Phylogenetic Tree