Final answer:
The passage details a classification system of life into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, distinguished by cellular complexity and genetic makeup.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct summary of the passage regarding the classification of life forms is that scientists now recognize there are three domains of life, which encompass all known organisms. These domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Prokaryotes, which include bacteria and archaea, lack membrane-bound nuclei and organelles, while eukaryotes, like plants, animals, and fungi, contain these complex structures. Eukaryotes can be unicellular or multicellular. The Archaea domain includes extremophiles that can inhabit harsh environments such as hot springs. This system of classification is based on genetic and biochemical characteristics, particularly the structure of cell membranes and rRNA sequences.