
Concept explainers
Which is not a characteristic of all living organisms?
- a. growth and development
- b. composed of multiple cells
- c. complex yet organized
- d. uses energy

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.
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?
Chapter 1 Solutions
Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Biological Science (6th Edition)
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
SEELEY'S ANATOMY+PHYSIOLOGY
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
HUMAN ANATOMY
Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
- Noggin mutation: The mouse, one of the phenotypic consequences of Noggin mutationis mispatterning of the spinal cord, in the posterior region of the mouse embryo, suchthat in the hindlimb region the more ventral fates are lost, and the dorsal Pax3 domain isexpanded. (this experiment is not in the lectures).a. Hypothesis for why: What would be your hypothesis for why the ventral fatesare lost and dorsal fates expanded? Include in your answer the words notochord,BMP, SHH and either (or both of) surface ectoderm or lateral plate mesodermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forward
- please helparrow_forwardWhat does the heavy dark line along collecting duct tell us about water reabsorption in this individual at this time? What does the heavy dark line along collecting duct tell us about ADH secretion in this individual at this time?arrow_forwardBiology grade 10 study guidearrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeBiology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningComprehensive Medical Assisting: Administrative a...NursingISBN:9781305964792Author:Wilburta Q. Lindh, Carol D. Tamparo, Barbara M. Dahl, Julie Morris, Cindy CorreaPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Essentials Health Info Management Principles/Prac...Health & NutritionISBN:9780357191651Author:BowiePublisher:CengageHuman Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning



