Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 26 - Bacteria and Archaea
Freeman - Biological Science 7th Edition
Freeman7th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9783584863285Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 26, Problem 13

Diagram of the three-domain hypothesis showing Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya as distinct evolutionary lineages.
The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.
Diagram illustrating the two-domain hypothesis showing relationships between Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota.
Early ideas on the classification of life recognized all organisms as belonging to one of two fundamental lineages—prokaryotes or eukaryotes. Is this view compatible with either of the hypotheses illustrated here? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the traditional view of the tree of life, which categorizes all life into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. This view suggests that these domains are distinct and monophyletic, meaning each domain forms a separate branch on the tree of life.
Examine the two-domain hypothesis, also known as the eocyte hypothesis, which is depicted in the image. This hypothesis proposes that eukaryotes evolved from a specific group within the Archaea known as Crenarchaeota (eocytes), rather than being a separate domain.
Consider the implications of the two-domain hypothesis on the classification of life into prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the traditional view, prokaryotes include Bacteria and Archaea, while eukaryotes are a separate lineage. The two-domain hypothesis challenges this by suggesting a closer evolutionary relationship between eukaryotes and certain archaea.
Analyze whether the classification of life into prokaryotes and eukaryotes is compatible with the two-domain hypothesis. The traditional classification may not fully align with the two-domain hypothesis, as it suggests eukaryotes are derived from within the Archaea, blurring the lines between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Reflect on the broader implications of the two-domain hypothesis for our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells. This hypothesis suggests a more complex evolutionary history and may require reevaluation of how we define and categorize life forms based on their evolutionary relationships.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Three-Domain Hypothesis

The Three-Domain Hypothesis classifies all life into three major domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. This model suggests that these domains represent distinct evolutionary lineages, with Archaea and Eukarya being more closely related to each other than to Bacteria. This classification is based on genetic and biochemical evidence, highlighting the fundamental differences in cellular structure and function among these groups.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:20
3 Domains of Life

Two-Domain Hypothesis (Eocyte Hypothesis)

The Two-Domain Hypothesis, also known as the eocyte hypothesis, proposes that Eukarya evolved from a specific lineage of Archaea called eocytes. This hypothesis challenges the traditional Three-Domain model by suggesting that the evolutionary relationship between Archaea and Eukarya is more complex, indicating that eukaryotic cells may have originated from within the Archaea rather than being a separate lineage.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:22
Predictions, Hypotheses, & Theories

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, encompassing both Bacteria and Archaea. In contrast, eukaryotes are characterized by their complex cellular structure, including a defined nucleus and organelles. The classification of life into these two fundamental lineages reflects early biological understanding, but modern hypotheses like the Three-Domain and Two-Domain models complicate this binary view by revealing deeper evolutionary relationships.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:26
Recap: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Suppose that you've been hired by a firm interested in using bacteria to clean up organic solvents found in toxic waste dumps. Your new employer is particularly interested in finding cells that are capable of breaking a molecule called benzene into less-toxic compounds. Where would you go to look for bacteria that can metabolize benzene as an energy or carbon source? How would you design an enrichment culture capable of isolating benzene-metabolizing species?

860
views
Textbook Question

The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Why are Archaea considered a monophyletic group according to the three-domain hypothesis?

a. Because this group includes all organisms except eukaryotes.

b. Because this group includes an ancestral population and all of its descendants.

c. Because all members of this group lack membrane-bound organelles.

d. Because this group evolved after the origin of bacteria.

2119
views
Textbook Question

The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.

The Bacteria and Archaea both include microscopic prokaryotes that lack membrane-bound nuclei. What criteria have led to the classification of these two groups as separate domains?

1500
views
Textbook Question

The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Other hypotheses for the tree of life present the Archaea as the ancestors to all other organisms. Sketch a phylogenetic tree that presents Bacteria and Eukarya as more closely related to each other than to Archaea, and that has Archaea as a sister group to Bacteria and Eukarya.

1622
views
Textbook Question

The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Evaluate this statement: According to the two-domain hypothesis, all members of the domain Archaea are prokaryotes and therefore lack membrane-bound nuclei.

812
views
Textbook Question

The traditional tree of life (shown above) presents the three domains as distinct, monophyletic lineages. However, other hypotheses propose different views on the relationships among the Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. In particular, the two-domain hypothesis—or eocyte hypothesis—is emerging as a well-supported alternative to the three-domain hypothesis. The eocyte hypothesis, illustrated below, suggests that eukaryotes evolved from eocytes (also known as the Crenarchaeota—a major lineage of the Archaea). Resolving the relationships among these ancient lineages is difficult, but it has profound implications on our understanding of the origin of eukaryotic cells.

What other types of evidence or features might be used to ascertain whether the tree of life is best represented according to the three-domain or the eocyte hypothesis?

1033
views