Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which one of the following is a defining characteristic of animals but not of plants?
A
Photosynthesis
B
Chloroplasts
C
Presence of a cell wall
D
Ability to move voluntarily
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic characteristics of animals and plants. Animals are multicellular organisms that typically have the ability to move voluntarily, whereas plants are primarily characterized by their ability to perform photosynthesis.
Consider the role of chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells that facilitate photosynthesis, a process not found in animals.
Examine the presence of a cell wall. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that provides structure and support, while animal cells do not have a cell wall.
Focus on the ability to move voluntarily. Animals have specialized structures such as muscles and nervous systems that allow them to move voluntarily, a characteristic not found in plants.
Conclude that the defining characteristic of animals, which is not shared by plants, is the ability to move voluntarily. This is a key distinction between the two groups of organisms.