Which of the following is the best evolutionary explanation for the presence of flagellated cells in the life cycles of chytrids and their absence from other fungi?
A) Chytrids are specialized fungi that evolved this trait from fungal ancestors that lacked flagellated cells.
B) Presence of flagellated cells in chytrids shows that they are more closely related to animals and choanoflagellates than to actual fungi.
C) Chytrids evolved flagellated cells as an adaptation to living in water.
D) Flagella have evolved repeatedly in many different eukaryotic groups, and their presence is evolutionarily meaningless.
E) Flagellated cells in chytrids are a remnant of the common ancestry of fungi, animals, and choanoflagellates that has been lost in other fungi.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flagellated cells in chytrids are indicative of a shared ancestral trait with the common ancestor of fungi, animals, and choanoflagellates. This trait has been retained in chytrids but lost in other fungal lineages, suggesting an evolutionary divergence.

Which of the Following Is the Best Evolutionary Explanation for the Presence