Question

According to the phylogeny presented in this chapter, which protists are in the same eukaryotic supergroup as plants?

(A) green algae

(B) dinoflagellates

(C) red algae

(D) both A and C

Short answer

1. The option “green algae” isfalse.

2. The option “dinoflagellates” isfalse.

3. The option “red algae” is false.

4. The option “both A and C” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Eukaryotic supergroups

Eukaryotic supergroups are groups of organisms that are placed under one category. The classification of the eukaryotic supergroups is done based on the characteristic that these organisms have common ancestors. There are about six eukaryotic supergroups.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Green algae are classified under the eukaryotic supergroup as they have evolved from protists found in the terrestrial habitat. The green algae are placed under the supergroup Archeplastidia. Several other protists are placed under eukaryotic supergroups.

Thus, the green algae are not the only protists in the eukaryotic supergroup.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Dinoflagellates are protists that are not placed under the eukaryotic supergroup as that of plants. These organisms have not evolved from previously existing organisms that were found in the terrestrial environment.

Thus, dinoflagellates are not grouped under eukaryotic supergroups.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Red algae are placed under the same eukaryotic supergroup as green algae. The eukaryotic supergroup is called Archeplastidia. Multiple protist organisms are placed under this category, and hence it is not the only organism in this hierarchical group.

Thus, the red algae are not the only protists in the eukaryotic supergroup.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Both red algae and green algae belong to the eukaryotic supergroup classification called Archeplastida. These protists have common ancestors similar to plants, and hence they are placed under the same group in which plants are placed.

Thus, the most accurate option is both red and green algae.

Therefore, the given option is true.