Which of the following major transitions proposed by John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmary (1997) most likely occurred first?
A) the evolution of sexual reproduction
B) the emergence of eukaryotic cells
C) the origin of the first cells
D) the evolution of groups, including complex societies

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The origin of the first cells is the most basic and fundamental transition as it marks the beginning of life. The emergence of eukaryotic cells and the evolution of sexual reproduction are more complex transitions that likely occurred later in the history of life. The evolution of groups, including complex societies is a more recent transition that pertains to the evolution of social behavior in certain organisms, such as primates, and is not as fundamental as the origin of cells.

Which of the Following Major Transitions Proposed by John Maynard