Question

unit 1 instructional sequence 1 extra credit review
sc.912.l.17.7 characterize the biotic and abiotic components that define freshwater systems, marine systems and terrestrial systems

1. a scientist is observing two unknown objects on another planet. they want to plan and carry out an investigation to decide if the objects are living or nonliving.

a. what are the characteristics of life that the scientist must observe in order for the object to be considered living?

	characteristics
2
3
4
5
6
7

b. list at least two suggestions for the scientist to do in order to conduct a scientific experiment to determine if the unknown objects are living or nonliving?
1.
2.
below is one data set that the scientist collected.

Explanation:

a. The characteristics of life include cellular organization (living things are made of cells), metabolism (ability to take in and use energy), growth and development (increase in size and change over time), response to stimuli (react to the environment), reproduction (produce offspring), and homeostasis (maintain a stable internal environment).
b. To conduct a scientific experiment to determine if an object is living, the scientist could provide it with a source of energy and observe if it shows signs of metabolism such as taking in the energy or producing waste. Also, the scientist could change the environmental conditions around the object (e.g., temperature, light) and see if it responds in a way characteristic of living things.

Answer:

a.

1. Cellular organization
2. Metabolism
3. Growth and development
4. Response to stimuli
5. Reproduction
6. Homeostasis
7. (Optional - other valid characteristics can be added here)

b.

1. Provide a source of energy and observe for signs of metabolism.
2. Change environmental conditions and observe for responses.