Final answer:
The statement that all cells can colonize any environment on Earth is false; different cells have different environmental requirements for survival. Jacques Monod's quote about E. coli and elephants highlights the shared genetics and evolutionary history of all living organisms. It is also true that scientists have identified viruses that can infect fungal cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'One thing all cells have in common is an ability to colonize any environment on Earth' is false. While all organisms are made of one or more cells, and these cells perform life functions and come from pre-existing cells, not all cells can survive in every environment on Earth. Extremophiles, for example, are adapted to extreme conditions that are typically uninhabitable for most other forms of life. Moreover, certain cells require very specific conditions to survive and could not thrive in vastly different habitats.
Jacques Monod's statement that findings about E. coli can inform our understanding of elephants is rooted in the concept that all living organisms share a common ancestor. This underscores the unity of biochemical and genetic processes across diverse forms of life. It is true that scientists have identified viruses that can infect fungal cells. This shows the versatility of viruses and their ability to target various life forms.