Question

unit 1 cumulative test (characteristics of life, biomolecules, cell structure and transport) 6 of 42 possible points: 2.13 which statement best supports the idea that eukaryotic cells evolved after prokaryotic cells?

eukaryotic cells require less energy than prokaryotic cells.

eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells.

eukaryotic cells are much smaller in size than prokaryotic cells

eukaryotic cells are more common in the environment than prokaryotic cells.

Explanation:

To determine which statement supports eukaryotic cells evolving after prokaryotic cells, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Eukaryotic cells are generally more complex and have more organelles, so they typically require more energy, not less. Eliminate this.
• Option 2: Evolution often progresses from simpler to more complex structures. Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) are simpler (no nucleus, fewer organelles), while eukaryotic cells (like plant/animal cells) have a nucleus and membrane - bound organelles, making them more complex. This supports the idea that eukaryotes evolved later as complexity increased over time.
• Option 3: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells. So this statement is incorrect. Eliminate this.
• Option 4: Prokaryotic cells (e.g., bacteria) are extremely common in the environment, more so than eukaryotic cells in many cases. So this statement is incorrect. Eliminate this.

Answer:

B. Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells.