Three Domains: The three domains of biology can be represented in the tree of life as the three main branches, with three subbranches on the eukaryotic branch being the kingdoms Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia. What if fungi and animals are more closely related to each other than either of the kingdoms is to plants - as some recent evidence suggests?

Question

Biology

Azul

10 July, 16:10

Three Domains: The three domains of biology can be represented in the tree of life as the three main branches, with three subbranches on the eukaryotic branch being the kingdoms Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia. What if fungi and animals are more closely related to each other than either of the kingdoms is to plants - as some recent evidence suggests?

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Chivas · Answer 1

If fungi and animals are more closely related to each other than either of the kingdoms is to plants, there would be a common origin between plants and another lineage. Later, this other lineage would get divided into two new branches belonging to animals and fungi.

Explanation:

There is a theory that suggests that there might be a common ancestor between animals and fungi. If this would be proved and supported, then the tree of life would be modified. The eukaryotic branch would be divided into two subbranches, one for plants and one for a new lineage. After this first divergence, the new lineage would get divided again into two other branches belonging to animals and fungi. These two kingdoms would share a common ancestor, and this ancestor would share an earlier common ancestor with plants.