Julian claims that viruses are alive. His supporting evidence is that viruses use the universal genetic code, are able to reproduce, and can evolve. Which statement would be most useful in an argument against Julian’s claim?

Question

Responses

Viruses reproduce on their own only under the proper conditions.
Viruses reproduce on their own only under the proper conditions.

Viruses satisfy only some characteristics of life, but not all of them.
Viruses satisfy only some characteristics of life, but not all of them.

Viruses are too small to be classified as living things.
Viruses are too small to be classified as living things.

Viruses evolve, but only after many generations.

Answer 1

The most useful statement in an argument against Julian’s claim would be:

Viruses satisfy only some characteristics of life, but not all of them.

This response directly addresses the core of the debate, which is whether viruses can be considered alive by indicating that while they exhibit some traits associated with life, they do not meet all the criteria typically used to define living organisms.