Refer to the figure, which shows the phylogenetic tree of major groups of living organisms. Based on the figure, which statement about the evolutionary history of life is false?
A) Eukarya shares a more recent common ancestor with prokaryotic Archaea than with Bacteria.
B) Bacteria shares a more recent common ancestor with Eukarya than with prokaryotic Archaea.
C) The common ancestor of Bacteria and Archaea predates that of Archaea and Eukarya.
D) All living organisms share a common origin.
E) An ancient prokaryotic species was the ancestor of all life on Earth.

Question

Refer to the figure, which shows the phylogenetic tree of major groups of living organisms.  Based on the figure, which statement about the evolutionary history of life is false?
A) Eukarya shares a more recent common ancestor with prokaryotic Archaea than with Bacteria. 
B) Bacteria shares a more recent common ancestor with Eukarya than with prokaryotic Archaea. 
C) The common ancestor of Bacteria and Archaea predates that of Archaea and Eukarya. 
D) All living organisms share a common origin. 
E) An ancient prokaryotic species was the ancestor of all life on Earth.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the phylogenetic tree, Eukarya shares a more recent common ancestor with prokaryotic Archaea than with Bacteria, which contradicts option B. Option E is also false, as the phylogenetic tree does not provide evidence for a single ancient prokaryotic species being the ancestor of all life on Earth. The other options are true: A) Eukarya shares a more recent common ancestor with prokaryotic Archaea than with Bacteria, C) the common ancestor of Bacteria and Archaea predates that of Archaea and Eukarya, and D) all living organisms share a common origin, as indicated by the root of the phylogenetic tree.

Refer to the Figure, Which Shows the Phylogenetic Tree of Major