Question

You are looking at pond water under a microscope with your lab partner and observe something moving across your field of view. Your partner claims it must be alive because it’s moving, but you aren’t so sure. How can you critique your partner’s explanation and determine if what you see is alive? Use logical reasoning as you identify and describe the major characteristics of living organisms in your response.

Write 4 sentences in your own words

For the Question I am looking for a reflection, in your own words, of what you remember from the readings in this unit. More like a journal entry than a scientific dissertation. And always, in your own words please! Write in first person

Answer 1

As I looked at the moving object in the pond water, I realized that just because something is moving doesn't necessarily mean it's alive; for example, physical forces can cause non-living things to move as well. To determine if what I’m seeing is a living organism, I need to consider the key characteristics of life, like growth, reproduction, and the ability to respond to stimuli. Additionally, I recall that living organisms are made up of cells, which carry out the processes necessary for life. So, I need to observe this moving thing more closely and see if it shows any of these characteristics rather than just jumping to conclusions based on its movement.