Which of the following statements regarding endosymbiotic theory in the evolution of eukaryotes is supported by the data in the chart?
A
The structures and functions of mitochondria and chloroplasts, organelles found in eukaryotic cells, are similar to those of prokaryotic organisms. This, combined with when each of these first appeared on Earth, supports the theory that eukaryotes came from larger prokaryotes engulfing smaller prokaryotes.
B
Eukaryotic organisms contain many linear chromosomes in their cells. Their cells replicate using mitosis. Scientists estimate that eukaryotes appeared on Earth around 1.5 billion years ago, long after the first prokaryotes appeared. Eukaryotes are very complex, while prokaryotes are simple bacteria.
C
Scientists found that prokaryotic organisms were on Earth much earlier than eukaryotic organisms. Over time, prokaryotes became eukaryotes that were able to make their own energy in their mitochondria. Some eukaryotes developed chloroplasts that allowed them to make their own food using photosynthesis.
D
Eukaryotes are very different from prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are similar to mitochondria and chloroplasts, because they all undergo binary fission and have circular DNA. Eukaryotes could have evolved from prokaryotes, since prokaryotes have been on Earth for a longer period of time.