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THE THEME (MITOTIC CELL DIVISION) AND THE VARIATIONS (PROTISTS): IMPLICATIONS FOR HIGHER TAXA
Author(s) -
Margulis Lynn
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
taxon
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1996-8175
pISSN - 0040-0262
DOI - 10.2307/1220522
Subject(s) - protist , phylum , biology , taxon , algae , evolutionary biology , protozoa , taxonomic rank , organism , origination , symbiosis , botany , ecology , gene , genetics , bacteria , computer network , computer science
Summary The assumption is made that photosynthesis evolved in prokaryotes and was acquired by symbiosis in all eukaryotes. By studies of comparative mitosis and genetic systems of “lower” eukaryotes (e.g., nucleate algae, protozoa, flagellated fungi and so forth) consistent phylogenies of these organisms may be constructed. It follows logically from these considerations that the traditional concept of “plant” and “animal” kingdoms are obsolete. An internally consistent modification of Whittakers five kingdoms (Monera, Protist, Fungi, Animal and Plant) is represented and defended on the basis of information from ultrastructure, comparative biochemistry and life cycles, molecular biology and other modern work. Higher taxa (Kingdoms, Phyla, Classes) for major groups based on the recognition of the prokaryotic‐eukaryotic dichotomy is offered for critical evaluation.