The ability to form endospores in bacteria within Bacillales, Clostridiales, and Lactobacillales suggests the genotype/phenotype evolved
A) at least three separate times in these divergent orders.
B) at least once, and horizontal gene transfer among relatives explains its presence in other orders.
C) only once in an ancestor to these three orders, due to the high number of genes required.
D) either at least once and horizontal gene transfer among relatives occurred or once in a common ancestor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ability to form endospores likely evolved only once in a common ancestor of these orders due to the complexity and high number of genes required for this trait.

The Ability to Form Endospores in Bacteria Within Bacillales, Clostridiales