Which of the following groups is the most diverse and abundant group of organisms on Earth?

• A. Archaea.
• B. Bacteria.
• C. Eukarya.
• D. Viruses.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the characteristics of each group: Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya, and Viruses. Each group has unique features and roles in the ecosystem.
2. Consider the diversity of each group: Diversity refers to the variety of species within a group. Bacteria are known for their vast diversity, with thousands of species adapted to various environments.
3. Evaluate the abundance of each group: Abundance refers to the number of individuals within a group. Bacteria are incredibly abundant, found in almost every habitat on Earth, from soil to oceans to the human body.
4. Compare the ecological roles: Bacteria play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and as symbionts, which contribute to their diversity and abundance.
5. Conclude by identifying the group that is both the most diverse and abundant: Based on the characteristics, diversity, abundance, and ecological roles, Bacteria are the most diverse and abundant group of organisms on Earth.