The Science Of Biology - Characteristics of Living Things

The Science Of Biology

Characteristics of Living Things (50 points)

Living things share 8 characteristics (listed in Chapter 1 of your textbook on page 19). A living thing grows, undergoes metabolism, responds to its environment, reproduces, passes DNA to the next generation, maintains homeostasis, changes over time, and is made up of cells. A non-living thing may seem to do one or more of these things, but to be classified as living; all eight characteristics must be present. Sometimes, you may see something that seems alive but is not. Though you can’t see it, you have likely experienced it; one of those things is a virus.

Answer BOTH of the following questions:

1. Using all 8 of the characteristics that define life, indicate which one(s) viruses have and which one(s) they do not, and explain each difference. 
2. With these results, present an argument that a virus is a living thing. Then, present the opposite argument that viruses are not alive. 

You can fill out a table like this (though this is not required):

Review the following videos to understand what viruses are and how they work:

• Flu Attack! How a Virus Invades Your Body
• What is a Virus? How do Viruses Work?

Reading these discussions may help you to form your arguments on the status of viruses:

• Are Viruses Alive?
• Are Viruses Alive? Although Viruses Challenge Our Concept of What "Living" Means, They Are Vital Members of the Web of Life

Follow these guidelines for your paper:

• Utilize at least 1 credible source to support the arguments presented in the paper. Make sure you cite appropriately within your paper, and list the reference(s) in APA format on your Reference page.
• Your paper should be 1–2 pages in length, not counting the Title page and Reference page.