Imagine that in 2020 you are the top biologist at a research station studying biodiversity in Costa Rica. A young scientist brings you a sample from a previously unexplored site
She asks you to look at the sample and determine whether it indeed contains microscopic, living organisms. As you begin your investigations, you must first decide what characteristics distinguish life from nonlife. How would you differentiate a living organism from nonliving matter (including viruses and prions)?
Answers should describe several characteristics of a living organism.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following accurately describe(s) ectotherms compared to endotherms of similar size at similar body temperatures? (Select all correct choices.)
A. Ectotherm metabolic rates are about 25% those of endotherms. B. Ectotherms cannot sustain prolonged activity for as long as endotherms can. C. Ectotherms can survive much longer periods without food than can endotherms. D. Ectotherm metabolic rates decrease as body temperature increases. E. Ectotherms never reach activity levels of endotherms.
The base G on one strand of DNA always hydrogen-bonds to a(n) ___ base on the other strand.
What will be an ideal response?
Darwin called differential reproductive success due to variation among individuals in success at getting mates ________
A) sexual success ratio B) sexual selection C) reproductive selection D) dimorphic selection
Much of the control of the digestive system originates in the neuron networks of the submucosa
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.