Which of the following is the eukaryotic supergroup that contains fungi and animals?

• A. SAR Clade
• B. Archaeplastida
• C. Opisthokonta
• D. Excavata

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of eukaryotic supergroups. Eukaryotic supergroups are large clades that group together organisms based on common evolutionary ancestry.
2. Identify the characteristics of the supergroup Opisthokonta. This supergroup includes organisms that have a single posterior flagellum at some stage in their life cycle, which is a trait shared by both fungi and animals.
3. Compare Opisthokonta with other supergroups listed in the problem: SAR Clade, Archaeplastida, and Excavata. Note that SAR Clade includes stramenopiles, alveolates, and rhizarians; Archaeplastida includes plants and algae; Excavata includes various protists.
4. Recognize that fungi and animals are distinct from the organisms typically found in the SAR Clade, Archaeplastida, and Excavata, which helps confirm their placement in Opisthokonta.
5. Conclude that Opisthokonta is the correct supergroup for fungi and animals based on their shared evolutionary traits and distinct separation from the other supergroups listed.