The rate of evolution in prokaryotes may be accelerated by lateral gene transfer; a process that appears to move genes from one branch of an evolutionary tree to another.

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Prokaryotes are known to undergo lateral gene transfer, which involves the transfer of genetic material between different organisms (often of different species). This process can contribute to the evolution and adaptation of prokaryotes, and has been shown to occur relatively frequently in some groups of bacteria. By allowing genes to move between different branches of an evolutionary tree, lateral gene transfer can accelerate the rate of evolution in prokaryotes.

The Rate of Evolution in Prokaryotes May Be Accelerated by Lateral