Which of the following statements about horizontal gene transfer is accurate?
A) Horizontal gene transfer was quite common in the early stages of evolution of life on Earth.
B) Horizontal gene transfer among organisms does not occur today.
C) Horizontal gene transfer moves only genes that play a role in metabolism.
D) Horizontal gene transfer occurs only among closely related organisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer was common in the early stages of evolution because it allowed for the sharing of beneficial traits among different organisms. However, it still occurs today, but at a lower frequency. Horizontal gene transfer can move any type of gene, not just those involved in metabolism, and can occur among distantly related organisms.

Which of the Following Statements About Horizontal Gene Transfer Is