Which of the following describes the evolution of multicellularity in fungi and animals?

• A. Multicellularity evolved independently in fungi and animals through convergent evolution.
• B. Multicellularity in fungi and animals originated from a single common multicellular ancestor.
• C. Fungi evolved multicellularity first, and animals inherited it from fungi.
• D. Both fungi and animals remained unicellular throughout their evolutionary history.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of multicellularity. Multicellularity refers to organisms composed of multiple cells that work together, often with specialized functions, to form a cohesive living entity.
2. Step 2: Review the concept of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures or functional needs, rather than inheriting them from a common ancestor.
3. Step 3: Analyze the evolutionary history of fungi and animals. Both fungi and animals are part of the eukaryotic domain, but they belong to distinct evolutionary lineages. This suggests that multicellularity in these groups likely evolved independently rather than being inherited from a shared multicellular ancestor.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the idea that fungi evolved multicellularity first and animals inherited it from fungi is inconsistent with the distinct evolutionary paths of these groups. Similarly, the claim that both fungi and animals remained unicellular throughout their history contradicts the observable multicellular nature of many species in both groups.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is that multicellularity evolved independently in fungi and animals through convergent evolution, as this aligns with the evidence of separate evolutionary origins and the concept of convergent evolution.