Suppose That a Meteorite Crashes into Earth and a Sample

Multiple Choice

Suppose that a meteorite crashes into Earth and a sample of it is taken to a local research lab for analysis. Embedded several inches within the rocky structure, a microscopic cluster of dormant, spore-like structures is found. The scientists culture some of this material in a standard microbiological nutrient broth, and they are surprised to find many single-celled "organisms" moving around, growing, and reproducing in the broth. The "organisms" behave the same in both daylight and dark conditions, do not require oxygen, and persist under a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. They stop moving, growing, and reproducing, however, when fewer nutrients are available in the medium. In this scenario, the "organisms" most closely resemble a(n) :

A) autotrophic species of Eukarya.
B) photosynthetic species of Bacteria.
C) heterotrophic species of Archaea.
D) nonliving virus.
E) heterotrophic species of Eukarya.