Functional traits can be shared between organisms with divergent SSU rRNA gene sequences because
A) functional traits may be lost by different lineages over time.
B) functional traits may evolve independently in different lineages over time.
C) horizontal gene transfer can result in the transfer of genes between divergent lineages.
D) functional traits may evolve independently, be shared through horizontal gene transfer, or be lost in divergent lineages.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functional traits may evolve independently in different lineages over time, be shared through horizontal gene transfer, or be lost in divergent lineages. Therefore, even if organisms have divergent SSU rRNA gene sequences, they may still share certain functional traits.

Functional Traits Can Be Shared Between Organisms with Divergent SSU