Studying a brick does not predict the design of a skyscraper. Intense examination of muscle tissues does not allow you to predict the design of a kangaroo or clam. The structure of chlorophyll does not dictate the unique structure of a tree. These cases demonstrate
A) the essential properties of life.
B) the levels of organization from atom to biosphere.
C) determinism, or how all phenomena are predictable effects of causes.
D) emergent properties that are easily predicted by examining their parts.
E) emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining their parts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These cases demonstrate emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining their parts, which is the definition of emergent properties. The specific structures and functions of complex systems like a tree, kangaroo or clam cannot be completely explained by looking at their individual components.

Studying a Brick Does Not Predict the Design of a Skyscraper