Concept explainers
Introduction:
The molecular phylogeny is the main basis of the evolution of the fungal taxonomy. The classification systems are based on the evolutionary relationships between the groups and the classification is named as phylogenetic classification.
Answer to Problem 1MCQ
Correct answer:
The most similar type of organism with the ancestral
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct statement:
The ancestral fungus evolved into Chytridiomycetes first. Some of the Zygomycetes and Chytridiomycetes share a common ancestor. However, the Chytridiomycetes are closest to the ancestral fungus because of the similarities in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences.
Option (d) is given as “A chytrid”.
As, “the chytrids have the most similarities with the ancestral fungus because of the similarities in the DNA sequences”, is the right answer.
Hence, option (d) is correct.
Reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option (a), is given as “A bacterium”.
The bacteria are placed in the kingdom Monera and not fungi. Their evolution was different from fungus. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (b), is given as “A plant”.
The plants belong to the kingdom Plantae and not fungi and the plants are more evolved than fungi. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c), is given as “A basidiomycete”.
The Basidiomycetes are considered as the most evolved fungi and hence they share very less similarities with the ancestral fungus. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (a), (b), and (c), are incorrect.
According to the DNA sequencing data, the Chytridiomycetes are considered as the most primitive types of fungi and the Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes share a common ancestor and are more evolved than other phyla of fungi.
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Chapter 20 Solutions
Biology: Concepts and Investigations
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