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Multiple Choice
Which characteristic of life is best demonstrated by the fact that sheep consume roughly 30 to 50 percent of their body weight each day?
A
Reproduction
B
Homeostasis
C
Response to stimuli
D
Energy acquisition and metabolism
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of energy acquisition and metabolism: This characteristic of life refers to the ability of organisms to obtain energy from their environment (e.g., food) and convert it into usable forms to sustain life processes, such as growth, repair, and reproduction.
Recognize the biological significance of food consumption: Sheep consuming 30 to 50 percent of their body weight daily demonstrates their need to acquire energy to fuel their metabolic processes, which include maintaining body temperature, cellular respiration, and physical activity.
Differentiate energy acquisition and metabolism from other characteristics of life: Reproduction involves creating offspring, homeostasis refers to maintaining internal balance, and response to stimuli involves reacting to environmental changes. None of these directly explain the need for food consumption as a source of energy.
Relate the example to energy acquisition: The act of consuming food and digesting it to extract nutrients and energy is a direct demonstration of energy acquisition and metabolism, as it supports the organism's survival and functionality.
Conclude that energy acquisition and metabolism is the correct characteristic of life demonstrated in this scenario, as it directly involves the intake and utilization of energy to sustain biological processes.