What are the three domains of life in biological taxonomy?

• A. Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
• B. Bacteria, Protista, Eukarya
• C. Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya
• D. Archaea, Protista, Plantae

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that biological taxonomy is a system used to classify and organize living organisms based on shared characteristics.
2. Recognize that the highest level of classification in biological taxonomy is the domain, which groups organisms based on fundamental differences in cell structure and genetics.
3. Identify the three domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. These domains represent the broadest categories of life forms.
4. Bacteria and Archaea consist of prokaryotic organisms, which lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, while Eukarya includes eukaryotic organisms, which have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
5. Note that the domains Bacteria and Archaea are distinct from each other due to differences in their genetic makeup and biochemical properties, while Eukarya encompasses a wide range of organisms including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.