Question

chapter 3: characteristics of living things a. defining life. the science of biology studies life and living things. do you know what is meant by the term \life\? scientists do not agree on a definition of life. they do agree, however, that the cells of living things (organisms) carry on certain processes that are necessary for life. these processes or activities, common to all living things, are known as life functions. an organism is considered to be alive as long as its cells perform certain life functions. nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, regulation, growth, reproduction, synthesis and metabolism are the life functions or characteristics shared by living things. review questions 1. the science of biology studies ____ and __. 2. how do scientists define life? 3. the term \organism\ is another word for __. 4. life functions are __ or __ that are common to all living things. 5. an organism is considered alive as long as its ____.

Explanation:

Question 1

From the text: "The science of biology studies life and living things." So we fill in the blanks with these two terms.

The text says: "Scientists do not agree on a definition of life. They do agree, however, that the cells of living things (organisms) carry on certain processes that are necessary for life." We summarize this to answer how scientists define life (or rather, their consensus about life's definition - related aspects).

The text states: "the cells of living things (organisms)". So "organism" is another word for "living thing".

Answer:

life, living things

Question 2