Which of the following statements about the evolution of complex multicellularity is TRUE?
A)Complex multicellularity evolved independently at least six times in different groups of organisms.
B)Complex multicellularity evolved twice: once in the common ancestor of plants and fungi and once in animals.
C)Complex multicellularity evolved once in the common ancestor of all eukaryotic organisms.
D)Complex multicellularity evolved independently in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
E)Simple multicellular organisms evolved from complex multicellular ancestors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Complex multicellularity has indeed evolved independently at least six times in different groups of organisms, including animals, fungi, red algae, green algae (which includes land plants), brown algae, and myxogastria (a group of slime molds). This indicates a convergent evolution, where similar features evolve separately in different evolutionary lineages.

Which of the Following Statements About the Evolution of Complex