Question

scientists now use domain eukarya to group together the kingdoms of eukaryotic species, which include plants, animals, protists, and fungi. which statement about the evolution of eukaryotes supports the grouping of the kingdoms into domain eukarya? a. all eukaryotic species descended from a common eukaryotic ancestor. b. each eukaryotic kingdom descended from a unique prokaryotic ancestor. c. species in the four eukaryotic kingdoms evolved independently of one another. d. protists evolved first, then the fungi appeared, and then plants and animals.

Explanation:

All eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, protists, fungi) in domain Eukarya share a single common eukaryotic ancestor, which is the basis for grouping them into one domain. Option B is incorrect because all eukaryotes trace back to one prokaryotic ancestor, not unique ones per kingdom. Option C is wrong as the kingdoms did not evolve independently. Option D is incorrect because the evolutionary order is not this linear, and the key unifying factor for Eukarya is a shared common ancestor, not a specific evolution sequence.

Answer:

A. All eukaryotic species descended from a common eukaryotic ancestor.