Question

a student is studying a continued argument within the scientific community. are viruses living or nonliving? place an answer in each row to identify whether each evidence statement supports the claim that viruses are living or the claim that viruses are nonliving evidence claim viruses can replicate viruses change over time viruses do not grow or develop viruses contain genetic information viruses do not contain one or more cells viruses do not obtain or use their own energy

Explanation:

Living organisms are generally characterized by the ability to replicate, change (evolve) over time, and contain genetic information. However, they also typically grow/develop, are made of cells, and obtain/use their own energy. Replication and containing genetic info and evolving support the living - claim. Lack of growth/development, no cells, and no independent energy - use support the non - living claim.

1. Viruses can replicate. This is a characteristic of living things, so it supports the claim that viruses are living.
2. Viruses change over time (evolve). This is also a characteristic of living things, so it supports the claim that viruses are living.
3. Viruses do not grow or develop. This supports the claim that viruses are nonliving as growth and development are typical of living organisms.
4. Viruses contain genetic information. This supports the claim that viruses are living as genetic information is a hallmark of life.
5. Viruses do not contain one or more cells. Since living organisms are made of cells, this supports the claim that viruses are nonliving.
6. Viruses do not obtain or use their own energy. Since living things need energy to function, this supports the claim that viruses are nonliving.

Answer:

Viruses can replicate: Supports the claim that viruses are living
Viruses change over time: Supports the claim that viruses are living
Viruses do not grow or develop: Supports the claim that viruses are nonliving
Viruses contain genetic information: Supports the claim that viruses are living
Viruses do not contain one or more cells: Supports the claim that viruses are nonliving
Viruses do not obtain or use their own energy: Supports the claim that viruses are nonliving