Question

scientists’ understanding of viruses has advanced greatly in the last fifty years. which statements give evidence to support the classification of viruses as nonliving? choose all the statements that apply.
a. viruses are made up of proteins, nucleic acids, and sometimes lipids.
b. viruses do not respond to changes in the environment around them.
c. all viruses are parasites and depend entirely upon living cells for their existence.
d. viruses must infect living cells in order to reproduce.

Explanation:

• Option A: Being made of proteins/nucleic acids/lipids doesn't show non - living (living things also have these). So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Living things respond to the environment. Viruses not responding supports them being non - living. So B is correct.
• Option C: Living things can be independent, but viruses depend entirely on living cells, showing non - living traits. So C is correct.
• Option D: Living things can reproduce on their own, but viruses need host cells, supporting non - living classification. So D is correct.

Answer:

B. Viruses do not respond to changes in the environment around them.
C. All viruses are parasites and depend entirely upon living cells for their existence.
D. Viruses must infect living cells in order to reproduce.