Question

1. explain four pieces of evidence that support the common ancestry of eukaryotes. (4 points)

fossil records

Explanation:

1. Cell - structure similarity: All eukaryotes have membrane - bound nuclei and similar organelles like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting a common origin.
2. Genetic code: The genetic code is nearly universal among eukaryotes. The same triplet codons code for the same amino acids, indicating a shared evolutionary history.
3. Fossil records: Fossils show a progression of increasingly complex eukaryotic forms over time, with early eukaryotic fossils sharing certain characteristics, supporting common ancestry.
4. Molecular phylogenetics: DNA and protein sequence comparisons across different eukaryotic species reveal phylogenetic relationships. Species that are more closely related have more similar sequences, pointing to a common ancestor.

Answer:

1. Similar cell - structure with membrane - bound organelles.
2. Universal genetic code.
3. Fossil record progression.
4. Molecular phylogenetics (DNA and protein sequence similarities).