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Multiple Choice
A scientist claims that *Elysia chlorotica* should be classified as a plant rather than an animal. Which characteristic most strongly supports its classification as an animal?
A
*Elysia chlorotica* is multicellular.
B
*Elysia chlorotica* performs photosynthesis using chloroplasts.
C
*Elysia chlorotica* lacks cell walls and has a nervous system.
D
*Elysia chlorotica* contains chlorophyll in its tissues.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the classification criteria for plants and animals. Plants typically have cell walls made of cellulose, perform photosynthesis using chloroplasts, and lack a nervous system. Animals, on the other hand, lack cell walls and often have a nervous system for responding to stimuli.
Step 2: Analyze the characteristics of *Elysia chlorotica* provided in the problem. It is multicellular, performs photosynthesis using chloroplasts, contains chlorophyll in its tissues, and lacks cell walls while having a nervous system.
Step 3: Evaluate the characteristic that most strongly supports its classification as an animal. The absence of cell walls and the presence of a nervous system are defining features of animals, distinguishing them from plants.
Step 4: Consider the other characteristics. While photosynthesis, chloroplasts, and chlorophyll are typically associated with plants, these traits alone do not override the defining animal characteristics of lacking cell walls and having a nervous system.
Step 5: Conclude that the characteristic most strongly supporting *Elysia chlorotica*'s classification as an animal is its lack of cell walls and the presence of a nervous system, as these are key traits of animals.