For living organisms, which of the following is an important consequence of the first law of thermodynamics?
A)The energy content of an organism is constant.
B)The organism ultimately must obtain all of the necessary energy for life from its environment.
C)The entropy of an organism decreases with time as the organism grows in complexity.
D)Organisms are unable to transform energy.
E)Life does not obey the first law of thermodynamics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Therefore, living organisms cannot create energy and must obtain all necessary energy from their environment, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because the energy content of an organism can change through energy conversion. Choice C is incorrect because the entropy of an organism typically increases with time as it grows in complexity. Choice D is incorrect because organisms are constantly transforming energy. Choice E is incorrect because life does indeed follow the laws of thermodynamics, including the first law.

For Living Organisms, Which of the Following Is an Important