Question
Book Icon
Chapter 13, Problem 1TC
To determine

How the living things tend to become more complex with time (embryos grow to adults; populations evolve), but the second law of thermodynamics states that entropy (disorganization)

tends to increase with time.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1TC

Living things are not excluded from the second law of thermodynamics; however, they can delay the process of disorganization, as the energy conversion in living things permits a transitory and local remission of the second law. The flow of energy in organisms results in increased order. Unlike lifeless things, organisms utilize the energy to function, maintain their extremely complex organization, and develop.

Explanation of Solution

Living things are not exempted from the second law of thermodynamics, but they can procrastinate that unavoidable descent into disorganization because the conversion of energy in living things permits a transitory and local remission of the second law.

Living organisms are bodies where the flow of energy results in increased order—that is, areas of great complexity and low entropy. The car engine functions only by the use of energy obtained in petroleum. Thus, organisms use the energy obtained from food to function, to develop, and to maintain their extremely complex organization. The car and computer will not fix themselves; however, human beings and fish do. This sophisticated use of energy is a basic quality of organisms.

Almost all the energy required by the marine organisms to function come directly or indirectly from the sun.  The solar energy is trapped by the presence of chlorophyll in organisms called “primary producers” (certain bacteria, green plants, and algae) and thus, it is converted into chemical energy. The chemical energy is used to build simple carbohydrates and other organic molecules (food), which is then used by the primary producers or eaten by animals (or other organisms) called consumers. This process is called photosynthesis as the light energy is used to synthesize molecules rich in stored energy.

Photosynthesis appears to be the principal process of binding energy into carbohydrates on the Earth; however, there is another process termed ‘Chemosynthesis’. Some species of archaea and bacteria employ chemosynthetic process. Chemosynthesis is the process of biological conversion of simple carbon molecules (usually methane or carbon dioxide) into carbohydrate using the oxidation of inorganic molecules (such as methane or hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen gas or) as a source of energy. No sunlight is required in this process. Chemosynthetic activity predominates in the deep ocean floor, mainly at the hydrothermal vents at spreading centers.

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
Discussion Question: Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures Albedo values (% reflected) Fresh snow 80%-95% Grass 25-30% Forests 10%-20% Crops, grasslands 10%-25% Asphat (black top 5%-10% Cancel 17-27 Moon Water bodies 10%-60% (varies with Sun altitude) Earth's albedo (average) 31% Dark roof 8%-18% Light roof 35%-50% Brick, stone 20%-40%
Outline of topic: Increased urbanization together with climate changes forces cities to find solutions for their simultaneous water shortage and flooding problems. The preservation of water resources needs sustainable urban water management strategies that combine ecological health maintenance with these priorities. This study investigates combined strategies that involve rainwater collection together with wastewater treatment and the deployment of green infrastructure consisting of urban wetlands alongside permeable pavements. The research aims to discover multi-purpose solutions that decrease flood dangers together with water shortages while maintaining ecological health for long-term urban water management success. The research investigates ways in which novel solutions assist cities to create watertight urban areas capable of handling environmental pressures from global warming and population expansion.   Research questions: What are the economic, environmental, and social benefits…
Title: Implementing low impact development: Sustainable water management solutions for urban areas Research questions: What are the economic, environmental, and social benefits of integrating wastewater recycling systems into urban water management practices? What methods can cities employ to resolve water supply needs with natural resource defense while achieving long-term water resource sustainability?   Please answer all questions in the pictures in detail
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,