How does determining whether an organism is a prokaryote or a eukaryote assist in its biological classification?

• A. It reveals the organism's exact species.
• B. It determines the organism's metabolic rate.
• C. It helps place the organism into one of the major domains of life, such as Bacteria, Archaea, or Eukarya.
• D. It identifies the organism's ecological niche.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the fundamental difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have a nucleus and complex organelles. This distinction is crucial for biological classification.
2. Step 2: Recognize that biological classification involves grouping organisms into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics. The major domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
3. Step 3: Determine whether the organism is a prokaryote or eukaryote by examining its cellular structure. For example, if the organism lacks a nucleus, it is a prokaryote and can be classified into either the Bacteria or Archaea domain.
4. Step 4: If the organism has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, it is a eukaryote and belongs to the Eukarya domain. This classification helps scientists understand the organism's evolutionary relationships and biological traits.
5. Step 5: Conclude that identifying whether an organism is a prokaryote or eukaryote is a foundational step in placing it into one of the major domains of life, which is essential for understanding its role in the broader context of biology.