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Questions and Answers
Approximately how many billion years ago did prokaryotes originate?
Approximately how many billion years ago did prokaryotes originate?
What is the primary evidence of early life on Earth?
What is the primary evidence of early life on Earth?
During which era did prokaryotes diversify rapidly?
During which era did prokaryotes diversify rapidly?
What had a profound impact on the Earth's ecosystem during the Archean era?
What had a profound impact on the Earth's ecosystem during the Archean era?
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What is a key innovation that provided structural support and protection to prokaryotes?
What is a key innovation that provided structural support and protection to prokaryotes?
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What facilitated the exchange of genetic material among prokaryotes?
What facilitated the exchange of genetic material among prokaryotes?
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What is the primary role of prokaryotes in shaping the Earth's ecosystem?
What is the primary role of prokaryotes in shaping the Earth's ecosystem?
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How many domains do prokaryotes belong to?
How many domains do prokaryotes belong to?
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Study Notes
Prokaryotic Evolutionary History
Early Origins
- Prokaryotes are thought to have originated around 3.5-4.5 billion years ago, during the Eoarchean era of the Precambrian period.
- The earliest evidence of life on Earth comes from fossilized stromatolites, which are layered structures created by ancient cyanobacteria.
Diversification and Radiation
- Prokaryotes diversified rapidly during the Archean era (3.8-2.5 billion years ago), with the emergence of different metabolic pathways and adaptations to various environments.
- This period saw the development of oxygenic photosynthesis, which had a profound impact on the Earth's ecosystem.
Key Events and Innovations
- The invention of the cell wall and peptidoglycan layer, which provided structural support and protection.
- The development of flagella, allowing for motility and increased environmental adaptability.
- The emergence of mechanisms for horizontal gene transfer, such as conjugation and transformation, which facilitated the exchange of genetic material.
Impact on the Earth's Ecosystem
- Prokaryotes played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's ecosystem, influencing the development of the atmosphere, oceans, and soil.
- They contributed to the formation of fossil fuels, ore deposits, and the cycling of essential nutrients.
Phylogenetic Relationships
- Prokaryotes are divided into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea, which diverged from a common ancestor around 3.5 billion years ago.
- The relationships between these domains and their internal diversification are still the subject of ongoing research and debate.
Prokaryotic Evolutionary History
Early Origins
- Prokaryotes originated around 3.5-4.5 billion years ago, during the Eoarchean era of the Precambrian period.
- Fossilized stromatolites, created by ancient cyanobacteria, provide the earliest evidence of life on Earth.
Diversification and Radiation
- Prokaryotes diversified rapidly during the Archean era (3.8-2.5 billion years ago).
- Different metabolic pathways and adaptations to various environments emerged during this period.
- Oxygenic photosynthesis developed, which had a profound impact on the Earth's ecosystem.
Key Events and Innovations
- The invention of the cell wall and peptidoglycan layer provided structural support and protection.
- The development of flagella allowed for motility and increased environmental adaptability.
- Mechanisms for horizontal gene transfer, such as conjugation and transformation, emerged, facilitating the exchange of genetic material.
Impact on the Earth's Ecosystem
- Prokaryotes played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's ecosystem.
- They influenced the development of the atmosphere, oceans, and soil.
- They contributed to the formation of fossil fuels, ore deposits, and the cycling of essential nutrients.
Phylogenetic Relationships
- Prokaryotes are divided into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea, which diverged from a common ancestor around 3.5 billion years ago.
- The relationships between these domains and their internal diversification are still the subject of ongoing research and debate.
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Description
Explore the origins and diversification of prokaryotes, from fossilized stromatolites to rapid radiation during the Archean era.
