Question

question 21
1 pts
which of the following statements is correct?
○ eukaryotic cells evolved a lot earlier (over a billion years) than prokaryotic cells.
○ scientists do not have any evidence regarding whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells evolved first.
○ prokaryotic cells evolved a lot earlier (over a billion years) than eukaryotic cells.
○ prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells evolved at about the same time.

Explanation:

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack a nucleus and membrane - bound organelles. Fossil evidence shows that prokaryotic cells (like cyanobacteria fossils) date back to about 3.5 billion years ago. Eukaryotic cells, which are more complex with a nucleus and organelles, evolved later. The endosymbiotic theory (for example, the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells) also supports the later evolution of eukaryotes. There is no evidence to support that eukaryotes evolved first or that they evolved at the same time. And there is evidence (fossil and molecular) regarding the order of their evolution.

Answer:

Prokaryotic cells evolved a lot earlier (over a billion years) than eukaryotic cells.