Textbook Question
How many different species have been identified by science?
How many are estimated to exist?
2
views
Ch. 14 - The Greatest Species on Earth?
Belk, Maier6th EditionBiology: Science for LifeISBN: 9780135214084
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Can Science Cure the Common Cold?12
- Ch. 2 - Science Fiction, Bad Science, and Pseudoscience12
- Ch. 3 - Is It Possible to Supplement Your Way to Better Performance and Health?10
- Ch. 4 - Body Weight and Health10
- Ch. 5 - Life in the Greenhouse10
- Ch. 6 - Cancer10
- Ch. 7 - Fertility10
- Ch. 8 - Does Testing Save Lives?10
- Ch. 9 - Biology of Wrongful Convictions10
- Ch. 10 - Genetically Modified Organisms10
- Ch. 11 - Where Did We Come From?13
- Ch. 12 - An Evolving Enemy8
- Ch. 13 - Understanding Race11
- Ch. 14 - The Greatest Species on Earth?8
- Ch. 15 - Is the Human Population Too Large?10
- Ch. 16 - Conserving Biodiversity12
- Ch. 17 - The Human Footprint10
Belk, Maier6th EditionBiology: Science for LifeISBN: 9780135214084Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 4
Which of the following kingdoms or domains is a hodgepodge of different evolutionary lineages?
a. Bacteria
b. Protista
c. Archaea
d. Plantae
e. Animalia
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question: The problem is asking which kingdom or domain is considered a 'hodgepodge,' meaning it contains a diverse mix of organisms that do not necessarily share a single evolutionary lineage.
Review the characteristics of each option: a. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms with a single evolutionary lineage. b. Protista is a kingdom that includes a wide variety of eukaryotic organisms, such as algae, protozoa, and slime molds, which do not fit neatly into other kingdoms. c. Archaea are prokaryotic organisms distinct from bacteria and have their own evolutionary lineage. d. Plantae includes multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with a shared evolutionary lineage. e. Animalia includes multicellular, heterotrophic organisms with a shared evolutionary lineage.
Focus on the key term 'hodgepodge': This term suggests a group that is not monophyletic (does not share a single common ancestor) and includes organisms with diverse evolutionary origins.
Identify the correct answer: Based on the descriptions, the kingdom Protista is known for being a 'hodgepodge' because it includes organisms that are not closely related and do not fit into other kingdoms like Plantae, Animalia, or Fungi.
Conclude: The correct answer is b. Protista, as it is the kingdom that best matches the description of a 'hodgepodge of different evolutionary lineages.'
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Kingdom Protista
The kingdom Protista is known for its diverse range of organisms, which include unicellular and simple multicellular forms. It serves as a catch-all category for eukaryotic organisms that do not fit into the other kingdoms, such as plants, animals, or fungi. This diversity results from various evolutionary lineages, making Protista a 'hodgepodge' of different life forms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:28
Kingdoms of the Eukarya Domain
Evolutionary Lineages
Evolutionary lineages refer to the sequences of species that have evolved from a common ancestor over time. Understanding these lineages helps in classifying organisms based on their evolutionary relationships. In the context of Protista, the presence of multiple lineages highlights the complexity and varied evolutionary paths that have led to the current diversity within this kingdom.
Recommended video:
02:45History of Evolutionary Theory Example 1
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. It helps in organizing biological diversity and understanding the relationships among different groups. The classification of Protista as a separate kingdom illustrates the challenges in taxonomy, especially when dealing with organisms that do not fit neatly into established categories.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:23Introduction to Taxonomy
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Add labels to the figure that follows, which illustrates the endosymbiotic hypothesis.
<IMAGE>
Textbook Question
Comparisons of ribosomal RNA among many different modern species indicate that
a. There are two very divergent groups of prokaryotes
b. The Protista represents a conglomeration of very unrelated forms
c. Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants
d. A and B are correct
e. A, B, and C are correct
Textbook Question
On examining cells under a microscope, you notice that they occur singly and have no evidence of a nucleus. These cells must belong to a
a. Domain Eukarya
b. Domain Bacteria
c. Domain Archaea
d. The Protista
e. More than one of the above could be correct
Textbook Question
The mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell
a. Serve as the cell's power plants
b. Probably evolved from a prokaryotic ancestor
c. Can live independently of the eukaryotic cell
d. A and B are correct
e. A, B, and C are correct