What characterizes the phylogeny of bacteria?

The phylogeny of bacteria is characterized by the presence of prokaryotic cells, which are fundamentally different from eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus, and their genetic material is not contained within a membrane-bound organelle. This distinction is important because it underscores one of the primary differences in cell structure between the two domains of life: prokaryotes (which include bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotes (which include organisms like plants, animals, and fungi).

Additionally, bacteria have evolved to thrive in a vast array of environments, showing remarkable adaptability to extreme conditions. They can be found in diverse habitats ranging from deep-sea vents and hot springs to soils and the human gut. This adaptability reflects their evolutionary success and highlights the incredible diversity present within this group. Prokaryotic cells can also reproduce quickly through a process known as binary fission, which allows them to rapidly adapt to environmental changes.

The other choices do not accurately describe the characteristics of bacteria. Eukaryotic cells with organized nuclei refer specifically to the eukaryotic domain and do not apply to bacteria. Reproduction predominantly occurring sexually is more typical of many eukaryotic organisms, rather than prokaryotes