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Multiple Choice
Which of the following groups evolved first?
A
Prokaryotes
B
Mammals
C
Amphibians
D
Flowering plants
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evolutionary history: Evolutionary biology studies the timeline of life forms on Earth, starting with the simplest organisms and progressing to more complex ones. Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms without a nucleus, and they are considered the earliest life forms.
Recognize the characteristics of prokaryotes: Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, which are simple organisms that appeared billions of years ago. They were the first to evolve and laid the foundation for more complex life forms.
Compare the evolutionary timeline of the other groups: Mammals, amphibians, and flowering plants evolved much later in Earth's history. Amphibians were among the first vertebrates to transition to land, mammals evolved after reptiles, and flowering plants appeared relatively recently in the evolutionary timeline.
Sequence the groups based on their evolutionary appearance: Prokaryotes evolved first, followed by amphibians, mammals, and flowering plants. This sequence is based on fossil evidence and molecular data.
Conclude that prokaryotes are the earliest group to evolve: Prokaryotes are the simplest and oldest life forms, predating all other groups listed in the problem.