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In terms of cellular lifestyle, different kingdoms of life can be likened to hunters,

farmers, and scavengers. Which of the following is true in this scheme?

A. The ancestral eukaryotic cell was a farmer, but it turned into a hunter once it acquired mitochondria.
B. Plant cells are considered
scavengers, because their cell wall does not allow them to move.
C. Most protozoa are hunters, whereas animal cells are farmers.
D. The ancestral eukaryotic cell was a hunter, but upon acquiring chloroplasts it made the transition into farming.
E. Fungi are scavengers without
mitochondria.

User Bob Probst
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The statement that is true is D, which says that the ancestral eukaryotic cell was a hunter but became a farmer when it gained chloroplasts. This is because 'hunting' refers to consuming other organisms for energy, while 'farming' in plants refers to producing their own food via photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accurate statement that fits the scheme where different kingdoms of life can be likened to hunters, farmers, and scavengers is: D. The ancestral eukaryotic cell was a hunter, but upon acquiring chloroplasts it made the transition into farming. In this metaphorical sense, 'hunting' refers to consuming other organisms, while 'farming' suggests an autotrophic lifestyle, as seen in plants that perform photosynthesis. Before the acquisition of chloroplasts through endosymbiotic events, ancestral eukaryotic cells likely obtained energy through phagocytosis - eating smaller cells, hence the 'hunter' lifestyle. With the development of chloroplasts, they were able to harness solar energy to make their own food, similar to 'farming'.

Contrary to option B, plant cells are not considered scavengers; they are autotrophs that produce their own food through photosynthesis. Similarly, option E is incorrect as fungi do have mitochondria and are considered decomposers rather than scavengers, since they break down and absorb nutrients from non-living organic material.

User Livven
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