Which of the following observations most strongly supports the common origin of all life on Earth?
A) All organisms require energy.
B) All organisms use essentially the same genetic code.
C) All organisms reproduce.
D) All organisms show variation that is inherited.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that all organisms use essentially the same genetic code is a strong piece of evidence supporting the common origin of all life on Earth. This genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. The universality of this code across diverse forms of life suggests a common ancestry for all organisms.

Which of the Following Observations Most Strongly Supports the Common