To determine if what the boys found is living, dead but once was living, or was never alive, they could consider the following ways:
1. Movement: Look for any signs of movement in the sea sponge. Living organisms generally exhibit some form of movement, whether it's visible movement like crawling or swimming, or internal processes like cell movement.
2. Response to stimuli: Check if the sea sponge reacts to any external stimuli. This can involve touching it gently, applying a little pressure, or exposing it to changes in light or temperature. Living organisms usually respond to stimuli in some way.
3. Breathing or respiration: Determine if the sea sponge is capable of breathing or respiration. While sea sponges don't have lungs or gills like many other organisms, they have specialized cells called choanocytes that facilitate the flow of water and exchange of gases.
4. Reproduction: Investigate whether the sea sponge has any reproductive structures or shows signs of reproduction. Living organisms have the ability to reproduce, so signs of reproduction can indicate that it is a living animal.
5. Feeding: Observe if the sea sponge absorbs or filters any food particles from the water. Living organisms require energy and nutrients to survive, and they typically have some mechanism for obtaining sustenance.
To prove that the sea sponge is a living animal, Collin could demonstrate characteristics such as movement, response to stimuli, respiration, or reproduction. For example, he could show the sponge's cells in motion under a microscope, observe its reaction to gentle pressure or changes in light, and explain its specialized cells for respiration and reproduction.
In order to determine if the sea sponge is a living organism, Rob should look for the following characteristics:
1. Cellular organization: If the sea sponge is made up of cells, it suggests that it is a living organism, as all living organisms are composed of cells.
2. Growth and development: Check if the sea sponge grows or undergoes any developmental stages. Living organisms typically exhibit growth and change throughout their lifespan.
3. Metabolism: Determine if the sea sponge has any metabolic processes, such as the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Living organisms require energy to carry out these processes.
4. Response to stimuli: Look for any reactions or responses to external stimuli, such as changes in light or temperature. This indicates that the sea sponge is capable of sensory perception.
5. Reproduction: Investigate if the sea sponge has any reproductive structures or shows signs of reproduction. Living organisms have the ability to reproduce and pass on their genetic material.
By observing these characteristics, Rob can determine if the sea sponge exhibits traits commonly associated with living organisms.
Collin and Rob raced down to the ocean to go for a swim. The boys had just finished skateboarding and had worked up a sweat. They could hear the waves crashing onto shore and felt the cool ocean breeze. "That water sure does look nice," thought Collin, "and that breeze will make it feel even better." School had just gotten out and a long relaxing summer lay ahead. Along the path to the water the boys had to avoid many objects that were in their way. The sand seemed to be littered with everything. People were laying on towels next to coolers while beach umbrellas swayed in the ocean breeze. The way to the water became a game of dodging and weaving. They had to watch their every step. As they got closer to the shoreline the spray from the crashing waves fell on their faces. They quickly took off their sandals and staked out a spot for their stuff on the beach before they jumped in. As they were spreading out their towels Rob noticed something in the sand. "Collin, check this out." Rob dug into the sand and pulled out something that was full of holes. "This looks like what my mom uses to mop the floor... but it feels different!" Collin laugh, "Hey, you got yourself a new pet animal!" "What are you talking about?" asked Rob, "This is no animal." "Actually it is," replied Collin. "You are holding in your hand a live sea sponge. There are a lot of them around here in Tarpon Springs." Rob examined his new find. He smelled it and even tried to squeeze it. It looked just like a sponge... the kind his mom used on the dishes as well as the floor. He knew those sponges were not living or ever had been. How could this one be a living animal? Collin joked, "Take it easy man; you don't want to kill your new friend!" Rob asked, "Seriously, you are saying this is a living animal? I don't see any eyes, and it's not wiggling out of my hand. Prove it!" With that Collin smiled and said, "I'll prove it to you... after we prove this ocean can cool us off!"
How could you come up with ways to find out if what the boys found is: living, dead but once was living, or was never alive?
How could Collin prove it?
What characteristics should Rob look for to determine if it is a living organism?
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