Horizontal gene transfer is one plausible explanation as to why organisms in Archaea, Bacteria, and
Eukarya still share so many genes among such distinct domains.

Question

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Horizontal gene transfer, also known as lateral gene transfer, refers to the transfer of genetic material between organisms that are not parent and offspring. This process can occur within the same domain or between different domains of life. As a result, genetic material can be shared among Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya, which may explain why these domains still share many genes despite their distinct evolutionary histories.

Horizontal Gene Transfer Is One Plausible Explanation as to Why