To review:
The major benefit of multicellularity, to organisms.
Introduction:
Complex organisms, like animals, are multicellular. They can perform the more complex functions of life.
Explanation of Solution
Complex organisms such as animals and plants are multicellular. They are made up of more than one cell, and their different structures have distinct functions. Their bodies also have a certain degree of organization. Multicellularity allows the organism to grow larger, protect itself from predators and environmental stresses, and have more potential prey.
However, all these benefits are a result of one major benefit, which is the ability of multicellular organisms to have specialized cells and division of labor. Every cell in the organisms need not perform every function. The cells are organized into groups, to perform specific functions. These groups may be further organized into larger groups.
The major benefit of multicellularity is that it allows the division of labor and specialization at a cellular level. Cells are grouped together to perform specific functions.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 21 Solutions
EBK WHAT IS LIFE? A GUIDE TO BIOLOGY WI
- What are three unifying features of all cells? What are three features that separate Eukaryotes from Prokaryotes?arrow_forwardIs it possible that life will exist in a closed container? How and why?arrow_forwardWhat are some constraints shared by all organisms? (select all those that apply). a) withstanding gravitational force b) functioning in a 24 hr light dark cycle c) molecules moving by diffusion d) effects of scaling as organisms increase in sizearrow_forward
- A sclerocyte is : a) a stem cell b) a cnidarian cell c) a porifera cell d) a polychaeta cellarrow_forwardHow does the arrangement and interaction of macromolecules in a cell contribute to the emergent properties of life?arrow_forwardContrast how prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells differ in terms of a) size and b) structural complexityarrow_forward
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education