If all prokaryotes on Earth suddenly vanished, which of the following would be the most likely and most direct result?
A) Human populations would thrive in the absence of disease.
B) Bacteriophage numbers would dramatically increase.
C) The recycling of nutrients would be greatly reduced, at least initially.
D) There would be no more pathogens on Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes play a major role in nutrient cycling and decomposition, so their absence would greatly reduce these processes, at least initially. This could have cascading effects on other organisms and ecosystems. While human populations may initially benefit from the reduction in disease-causing bacteria, the long-term consequences on the overall ecosystem would likely be negative. Bacteriophages may increase in number to target other bacterial species, but this would not necessarily have a significant overall impact on the ecosystem. And while there may be fewer pathogens, there are many other types of organisms that can cause disease besides bacteria.

If All Prokaryotes on Earth Suddenly Vanished, Which of the Following