Suppose that a meteorite crashes into Earth and a sample of it is taken to a local research lab for analysis. Embedded several inches within the rocky structure, a microscopic cluster of dormant, spore-like structures is found. The scientists culture some of this material in a standard microbiological nutrient broth, and they are surprised to find many single-celled ʺorganismsʺ moving around, growing, and reproducing in the broth. The ʺorganismsʺ behave the same in both daylight and dark conditions, do not require oxygen, and thrive under a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. They stop moving, growing, and reproducing, however, when fewer nutrients are available in the medium. In this scenario, the ʺorganismsʺ most closely resemble a(n)
A) nonliving virus.
B) photosynthetic species of Bacteria.
C) autotrophic species of Eukarya.
D) heterotrophic species of Archaea.
E) heterotrophic species of Eukarya.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The organisms described are single-celled, can reproduce, and do not require light or oxygen, which suggests they are not viruses (nonliving) or photosynthetic. Their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including extreme environments (implied by their survival in space and in a meteorite), and their heterotrophic nature (requiring nutrients from their environment) closely align with characteristics of many Archaea, particularly extremophiles within this domain.

Suppose That a Meteorite Crashes into Earth and a Sample