Chapter 1, Problem 4A

Summary Introduction

Introduction : 

Life is defined as some characteristics that help in distinguishing entities showing biological processes and the one that does not. The moieties that possess biological characteristics are known as animates whereas those that do not have such characteristics are known as inanimate. Moieties having a life are known to evolve from earlier simpler ancestors through the process of evolution. 

Answer to Problem 4A

Correct answer : 

The correct answer is option (c) homeostasis.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (c) homeostasis. Homeostasis is defined as the ability of living organisms to maintain the stable internal conditions of their body. The body of a living organism has different processes to combat any change or deviation from the stable condition faced by the organism. In the graph, different correcting mechanisms come into action whenever there is a deviation from the best environment. So, the correct answer is option (c).

Explanation for incorrect answer : 

Option (a) cellular basis. A cell is defined as the basic unit or entity of every life form. Living organisms may be composed of either only one cell or more than one cell. Organisms having multiple cells in their body have some sort of organization to carry out the work efficiently. Since the graph does not show any such attribute, therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option (b) growth. The growth of an organism is defined by the increase in the mass of their body or an increase in the number of cells present in their body. The graph of growth would have shown a curve that shown a steep with time but in the given graph, the curve is drawn back to the original state whenever there is any deviation from the original state. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (d) reproduction. Reproduction is defined as the property of an organism to produce new offspring and passing on its characteristic to the young one. The process operates to continue the existence of an organism on the planet and also to adapt to the changing environment of the planet. No such property is seen in the graph, therefore, it is an incorrect option.