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Multiple Choice
Which of the following fungal phyla is considered early-diverging?
A
Ascomycota
B
Basidiomycota
C
Chytridiomycota
D
Glomeromycota
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of fungal phylogeny: Fungi are classified into different phyla based on their evolutionary relationships. Early-diverging fungal phyla are those that branched off closer to the base of the fungal evolutionary tree.
Review the characteristics of Chytridiomycota: This phylum is considered early-diverging because it retains ancestral traits, such as the presence of flagellated spores (zoospores), which are not found in most other fungi.
Compare Chytridiomycota with other fungal phyla: Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are more derived and belong to the Dikarya group, which evolved later. Glomeromycota, while important for symbiotic relationships with plants, is also more derived than Chytridiomycota.
Recognize the significance of Chytridiomycota's traits: The presence of flagellated spores and their aquatic habitat are key indicators of their early divergence in fungal evolution.
Conclude that Chytridiomycota is the correct answer because it is the only phylum listed that is considered early-diverging based on evolutionary and morphological evidence.