Paulinella chromatophora is one of the few cercozoans that is autotrophic, carrying out aerobic photosynthesis with its two elongated "cyanelles." The cyanelles are contained within vesicles of the host cell, and each is derived from a cyanobacterium, though not the same type of cyanobacterium that gave rise to the chloroplasts of algae and plants.
-The closest living relative of P. chromatophora is the heterotroph, P. ovalis. What type of evidence permits biologists to make this claim about relatedness?
A) morphological
B) ecological
C) biochemical
D) genetic
E) fossil

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biologists use genetic evidence, such as sequencing DNA or comparing genomes, to determine the relatedness of different species. In this case, genetic evidence has shown that P. ovalis is the closest living relative of P. chromatophora.

Paulinella Chromatophora Is One of the Few Cercozoans That Is