Prokaryotes: the Earliest Cells

The video explores the discovery of microfossils in ancient rocks, suggesting life existed 3.4 billion years ago. It highlights the similarities between ancient organisms and modern prokaryotes, which are simple, nucleus-lacking cells. The evolution of eukaryotes, organisms with a cell nucleus, is explained as a result of symbiotic relationships between prokaryotes. For over a billion years, prokaryotes were the sole life forms on Earth, evolving into diverse types, including heterotrophic, chemosynthetic, and photosynthetic forms.

What is the estimated age of the microfossils found in ancient rocks?

• 5.0 billion years

• 4.5 billion years

• 3.4 billion years

• 2.5 billion years

Which of the following best describes prokaryotes?

• Organisms with a cell nucleus

• Tiny microscopic organisms with a simple body plan

• Organisms that are always multicellular

• Organisms with a complex body plan

How long did it take for organisms with a cell nucleus to develop?

• Over ten billion years

• Over a hundred thousand years

• Over a billion years

• Over a million years

What process led to the development of eukaryotes?

• Isolation of prokaryotic species

• Mutation of prokaryotic DNA

• Natural selection of the fittest prokaryotes

• Formation of symbiotic relationships between certain prokaryotes

Which of the following is NOT a form that prokaryotes evolved into?

• Heterotrophic

• Photosynthetic

• Multicellular

• Chemosynthetic