Question

The closest relatives of fungi are thought to be the

(A) animals.

(B) vascular plants.

(C) mosses.

(D) slime molds.

Short answer

(A) The option “animals” is true.

(B) The option “vascular plants” is false.

(C) The option “mosses” is false.

(D) The option “slime molds” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Animal kingdom

In biology, the animal kingdom represents an organism group where all living animals are included. Various extinct animals are also from this kingdom. One can study zoology to understand more about the animal kingdom and animal lives.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

In 1998, many scientists discovered that fungi divided from animals approximately 1.537 billion years before. In contrast, around 1.546 billion years ago, plants separated from animals.

The data indicate that fungi split from the animals after 8-9 million (approximately) years from when plants divided from animals.

Thus, fungi are closely related to animals than other species.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The vascular plant is not heterotrophic like a fungus. Vascular plants can develop energy on their own, but fungi don’t produce their food by themselves. Also, in the structure of a fungus, it has chitin (cell wall component) instead of cellulose.

Thus, vascular plants are not closely related to fungi.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Mosses are plants, but fungi are not. Fungi have their separate kingdom. Fungi produce spores, but mosses can’t produce spores. Mosses absorb their nutrients and the proper amount of water via their leaves.

Thus, fungi and mosses are not the closest relatives due to many differences.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Slime molds are not associated with true fungi. The significant difference between slime molds and fungi is the composition of their cell walls. Cellulose is present in slime molds’ cell walls, whereas chitin is present in fungi’s cell walls.

Thus, a fungus is not closely associated with slime molds.

Therefore, the given statement is false.