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Related Concept Videos

Eukaryotic Evolution01:24

Eukaryotic Evolution

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The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
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What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

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Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.
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The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes02:40

The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes

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The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...
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The Fossil Record02:56

The Fossil Record

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The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...
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Three-Domain System of Life01:21

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Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence analysis revealed three distinct groups of cells: eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. In 1978, Carl R. Woese proposed the concept of domains, a taxonomic level above kingdoms, to differentiate these groups. He suggested that archaea and bacteria, despite their similar appearance, represent separate domains. Domains differ in rRNA, membrane lipid structure, transfer RNA, and antibiotic sensitivity.In this classification, animals, plants, and fungi belong to the...
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The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

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Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin
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Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

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Paleobiological perspectives on early eukaryotic evolution.

Andrew H Knoll1

  • 1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|January 4, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Early eukaryotes emerged over 1.2 billion years ago, with major diversification around 800 million years ago, possibly driven by eukaryophagy. Protist evolution continued into the Phanerozoic Eon.

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Ablation of a Single Cell From Eight-cell Embryos of the Amphipod Crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis
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Area of Science:

  • Paleobiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Geobiology

Background:

  • Eukaryotic life originated in Proterozoic oceans, characterized by oxygenated surface waters and anoxic depths.
  • Fossil evidence suggests red algae (Rhodophyta) emerged over 1200 million years ago, with older microfossils potentially representing stem group eukaryotes.
  • The Neoproterozoic Era saw significant environmental shifts, including changes in ocean oxygenation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the timeline of eukaryotic origin and diversification.
  • To explore potential mechanisms driving major eukaryotic diversification events.
  • To understand the relationship between environmental changes and protist evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of exceptionally preserved microfossil assemblages.
  • Radiometric dating of geological strata containing fossil evidence.
  • Comparative analysis of fossil morphology with extant protist groups.

Main Results:

  • Crown group eukaryotes, exemplified by red algae, likely emerged over 1200 million years ago.
  • Older microfossils (1600-1800 million years) may represent stem eukaryotes.
  • A significant increase in complex microfossil diversity around 800 million years ago indicates major eukaryotic diversification.
  • The establishment of eukaryophagy in the Mid-Neoproterozoic may have accelerated this diversification.
  • Protist diversification continued alongside animal evolution in the Phanerozoic.

Conclusions:

  • Eukaryotic evolution spans over 1.2 billion years, with key diversification pulses.
  • Eukaryotic diversification was influenced by both environmental factors and ecological innovations like eukaryophagy.
  • The fossil record provides crucial insights into the early history and diversification of eukaryotic life.