Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 27 - 27.4 - Concept Check - Page 585: 2

Answer

This would likely be an instance of parallel evolution.

Work Step by Step

As all currently identified methanogens are within one clade under the kingdom Archaea, it would be highly improbable (although theoretically possible) that this was the result of a common ancestor between those archaea and the newly discovered bacteria. Parallel development of the same traits would be the most probable explanation.
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