The following question refers to this phylogenetic tree, depicting the origins of life and the three domains. Horizontal lines indicate instances of gene or genome transfer. A possible phylogenetic tree for the three domains of life.
-If the early history of life on Earth is accurately depicted by the figure, then which statement is most in agreement with the hypothesis proposed by this tree?
A) The last universal common ancestor of all extant species is one individual species.
B) The origin of the three domains appears as a polytomy.
C) Archaean genomes should not contain genes that originated in bacteria, and vice versa.
D) Eukaryotes are more closely related to archaeans than to bacteria.

Question

The following question refers to this phylogenetic tree, depicting the origins of life and the three domains. Horizontal lines indicate instances of gene or genome transfer.  A possible phylogenetic tree for the three domains of life.
-If the early history of life on Earth is accurately depicted by the figure, then which statement is most in agreement with the hypothesis proposed by this tree?
A) The last universal common ancestor of all extant species is one individual species. 
B) The origin of the three domains appears as a polytomy. 
C) Archaean genomes should not contain genes that originated in bacteria, and vice versa. 
D) Eukaryotes are more closely related to archaeans than to bacteria.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tree likely shows a polytomy at the base of the three domains, indicating uncertainty or simultaneous divergence.

The Following Question Refers to This Phylogenetic Tree, Depicting the Origins