Mitochondria are thought to be the descendants of certain alpha proteobacteria. they are, however, no longer able to lead independent lives because most genes originally present on their chromosome have moved to the nuclear genome. which phenomenon accounts for the movement of these genes?
a) plasmolysis
b) conjugation
c) translation
d) endocytosis
e) horizontal gene transfer

correct option is E) horizontal gene transfer

Explanation:

solution

we know here that phenomenon account for movement of these genes is horizontal gene transfer because we know Horizontal gene transfer are primary mechanism for spreading of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria

and  

in many mechanism some are

(1) transformation

(2) transduction

(3) Gene transfer agents  

and that Gene transfer agent is  virus and it like element encode by host that is occur in alpha proteobacteria  

and  

we know that implant of one to other plant can transfer chloroplasts , mitochondrial and entire cell nucleus contain the genome to the potential makes new species

as that we can say here correct option is E) horizontal gene transfer

"a scientist studying a whale and its surroundings would need to understand the structure of atoms in case something was negatively affecting the whale or its surroundings."

explanation:

this was from the link provided:

for  example, forests have higher evapotranspiration than other ecosystems,  such  as grasslands, because of their deeper roots and greater leaf area. thus forests have a net moistening effect on the atmosphere and become a moisture source for downwind ecosystems.