Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780134765037
Author: Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, Jane B. Reece
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
100%
Book Icon
Chapter 1, Problem 1SQ

Which is not a characteristic of all living organisms?

  1. a. growth and development
  2. b. composed of multiple cells
  3. c. complex yet organized
  4. d. uses energy
Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

To characterize an organism as living, it must perform certain functions like growth and development, carry out different metabolic processes like respiration, digestion, excretion and more, and also it must reproduce and carry out functions essential for life.

Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer:

All the living organisms are not multicellular. Rather, the majority of living beings are unicellular. Therefore, option b is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Life on Earth started as a single cell. Over a period of billions of years, these unicellular organisms gave rise to multicellular beings. However, this advent of multi-cellular organisms did not cease the existence of unicellular organisms. Moreover, two of the five kingdoms are completely composed of unicellular organisms (monera prokaryotes. and protista eukaryotes). Single-celled organisms are present in other kingdoms too.

Option b is given as “composed of multiple cells”.

As “being a multicellular organism is not an essential characteristic of life,” it is the right answer.

Hence, option b is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a is given as “growth and development”.

All organisms grow and develop. It is the elementary purpose of life. Thus, it is a characteristic of life seen in all organisms. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option c is given as “complex yet organized”.

Though a lot of organisms are primitive like the bacteria, they still are organized and complex. Thus, it is a life characteristic of all the organisms. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option d. is given as “uses energy”.

All living organisms perform metabolic processes to survive for which they have to utilize energy. Thus, this is a characteristic of life seen in all the living beings. So, it is wrong answer.

Hence, options a., c. and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Multicellularity is not a characteristic of life evident in all the organisms. Most of the organisms on Earth are unicellular and thus they can sustain life with just a single cell.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Which is very important body system that helps regulates body fluids, gasses, and blood pressure? a.)Digestive system b.)Nervous system c.)Respiratory system d.)Circulatory system
Evaluate whether changes to an organism's physical environment are likely to result in evolutionary change. Use an example to support your reasoning.
Why to humans shiver when the environment gets cold?a. To keep the body temperature equal to the external environment.b. To increase body temperature.c. To decrease body temperature.d. To regulate urine concentration.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Complete Textbook Of Phlebotomy
Biology
ISBN:9781337464314
Author:Hoeltke
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Essentials Health Info Management Principles/Prac...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9780357191651
Author:Bowie
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
An Illustrated Guide To Vet Med Term
Biology
ISBN:9781305465763
Author:ROMICH
Publisher:Cengage
The Evolution of Populations: Natural Selection, Genetic Drift, and Gene Flow; Author: Professor Dave Explains;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRWXEMlI0_U;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
The Evolution of Humans | Evolution | Biology | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_dDp7drFg;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY