What living things need to survive Transitional Reasoning Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   A biology student investigates how plants acquire essential nutrients by growing two groups of clover seedlings under identical conditions of sunlight, temperature, and atmospheric air. Group 1 is planted in sterile sand inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, whereas Group 2 is planted in identical sterile sand without bacteria. Both groups are watered with a nutrient solution containing all necessary minerals except nitrogen compounds. Over four weeks, the clover in Group 1 grows vigorously with lush green leaves, while the clover in Group 2 exhibits severe yellowing, stops growing, and fails to survive. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Plants can fulfill all of their nutritional needs solely through photosynthesis when light and atmospheric air are present.
   • B) Living things can directly absorb and utilize elemental nitrogen from the surrounding atmosphere to maintain vital life processes.
   • C) Organisms fulfill all essential survival requirements independently from non-living components without relying on other life forms.
   • D) Organisms require essential nutrients in accessible chemical forms, which may depend on biological interactions with other living things.
2. 2.

   A student investigates whether external heat can substitute for food energy in ectothermic animals by placing two groups of mealworm beetles into identical, well-ventilated terrariums with equal moisture and living space. Group 1 is maintained at a room temperature of 20°C and supplied with wheat bran as food, whereas Group 2 is kept in a warm incubator at 26°C with continuous heat but receives no food. Over three weeks, the beetles in Group 1 remain active and survive, whereas those in Group 2 become lethargic, lose body mass, and perish. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Ambient thermal energy can be directly transformed into usable cellular fuel by animals during periods of nutrient scarcity.
   • B) Suitable environmental temperatures cannot substitute for chemical energy, which heterotrophic organisms must obtain from food to power life processes.
   • C) Invertebrates can sustain their metabolic requirements through air and water alone when external temperatures remain within a stable range.
   • D) Elevating the habitat temperature decreases an organism's need for nutrients by stopping its continuous expenditure of biological energy.
3. 3.

   A biology student investigates the gas requirements of living things by inoculating two identical tubes of nutrient agar with a sample of deep-soil bacteria. Tube 1 is placed in an airtight chamber where all oxygen gas has been completely removed, whereas Tube 2 is exposed to normal atmospheric air under identical temperature and moisture conditions. After 48 hours, the bacteria in Tube 1 multiply into thriving colonies, whereas the bacteria in Tube 2 fail to grow and perish. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) All living organisms require atmospheric oxygen gas to release energy from nutrients and stay alive.
   • B) Microorganisms can survive without nutrients and moisture as long as they are placed in a sealed container.
   • C) Not all living things need oxygen gas to survive, as certain organisms thrive specifically in oxygen-free environments.
   • D) Atmospheric air is a universal environmental requirement that every living species needs to carry out vital functions.
4. 4.

   A student investigates the environmental requirements of microscopic life by placing identical cultures of freshwater Paramecium into two chambers with equal water volumes, optimal temperatures, dissolved oxygen, and bacterial food. Chamber 1 is maintained at a neutral pH of 7.0, whereas Chamber 2 is adjusted to a highly acidic pH of 2.5. After 24 hours, the organisms in Chamber 1 remain active and healthy, while those in Chamber 2 cease movement and perish despite having abundant food and oxygen. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Living things require an environment within a tolerable chemical range, such as suitable pH levels, to sustain life.
   • B) Living things can tolerate any chemical environment as long as sufficient food and oxygen are available.
   • C) Aquatic organisms depend solely on food and oxygen, while the chemical balance of water has no impact on survival.
   • D) Single-celled organisms require strongly acidic conditions to accelerate metabolic reactions and process nutrients.
5. 5.

   A student investigates the environmental needs of terrestrial plants by growing two identical potted bean plants under the same sunlight and temperature. Pot 1 contains moist, well-aerated soil that allows air pockets to remain around the roots, whereas Pot 2 is continuously flooded with standing water so that all air is displaced from the soil. After two weeks, the plant in Pot 1 remains vibrant and healthy, while the plant in Pot 2 wilts, develops decayed roots, and fails to survive. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Plant roots need access to oxygen gas in the soil to support cellular respiration and keep the organism alive.
   • B) Terrestrial plants absorb all necessary gases exclusively through their leaves, making soil aeration unnecessary for survival.
   • C) Living things can replace their need for atmospheric air if they are supplied with an unlimited volume of water.
   • D) Plant roots perform photosynthesis beneath the surface and therefore require standing water rather than air pockets.
6. 6.

   A biology student investigates the nutritional needs of animals by placing two groups of fruit fly larvae in identical containers with equal living space, moisture, optimal temperature, and fresh air. Group 1 receives an agar gel enriched with digestible carbohydrates and proteins, whereas Group 2 receives a visually identical plain gel made only of water and indigestible fiber. Although larvae in both groups consume the gel continuously, only Group 1 grows and survives, while the larvae in Group 2 become inactive and perish within several days. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Animals require external food primarily to stimulate physical digestive movement rather than to support cellular functions.
   • B) Ingesting adequate water and bulk material is sufficient to sustain an animal even in the complete absence of chemical nutrients.
   • C) Organisms require food specifically to obtain usable chemical energy and raw materials needed to maintain vital cellular processes.
   • D) Living things can indefinitely substitute physical space and hydration for the molecular nutrients found in food.
7. 7.

   A student investigates the environmental requirements of freshwater organisms by placing equal numbers of healthy freshwater waterweeds (Elodea) into two identical glass tanks under the same sunlight, room temperature, and aeration. Tank 1 is filled with natural freshwater, whereas Tank 2 is filled with water containing a high concentration of dissolved table salt. Over ten days, the plants in Tank 1 produce vibrant green shoots and thrive, whereas the plants in Tank 2 wither, discolor, and perish despite having plenty of liquid, light, and air. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Aquatic plants can adapt to any liquid environment as long as light and dissolved gases remain constant.
   • B) Living things require water with a suitable chemical balance compatible with their cells, rather than merely any liquid.
   • C) Dissolved mineral salts replace the need for dissolved gases in supporting plant survival.
   • D) Freshwater organisms perish in salty environments because salt eliminates their ability to absorb sunlight.
8. 8.

   To investigate the environmental conditions required for animal survival, a student maintains two identical groups of freshwater fish in aquariums with equal living space, constant aeration for oxygen, suitable water temperature, and identical daily feedings. In Tank 1, a biological filtration system continuously removes toxic metabolic wastes produced by the fish, whereas in Tank 2, no filtration is present, allowing metabolic waste products to steadily accumulate. Over two weeks, the fish in Tank 1 remain active and thrive, whereas those in Tank 2 become lethargic and perish despite having unconsumed food and continuous oxygen. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

   • A) Animals can substitute continuous oxygen and food supplies to neutralize the harmful effects of overcrowding.
   • B) Organisms require an external source of inorganic minerals rather than organic food to prevent biological decay.
   • C) Organisms must be able to eliminate or avoid the toxic buildup of their own metabolic wastes to stay alive.
   • D) Aquatic animals rely directly on light exposure to metabolize dissolved nutrients and sustain basic life functions.
9. 9.

   A science student places a potted green plant into Chamber 1 and a live caterpillar into Chamber 2. Both transparent chambers are sealed and continuously supplied with fresh circulating air, moisture, soil minerals, and sunlight, but neither chamber receives any external food source. After two weeks, the plant flourishes with new growth, whereas the caterpillar ceases moving and perishes within several days. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these results?

   • A) Green plants can survive indefinitely using only light energy, whereas animals need only water to grow.
   • B) Caterpillars require greater amounts of sunlight than green plants to manufacture their own nutrients.
   • C) Animals must ingest pre-formed organic matter to obtain energy, whereas green plants synthesize their own food from inorganic resources.
   • D) Both plants and animals can sustain life without organic food as long as mineral-rich water and light are provided.
10. 10.

    To test whether sunlight is an essential requirement for all living organisms, a student inoculates two identical containers of moist straw with edible mushroom mycelium. Both containers are kept at a stable 22°C with regular moisture and fresh circulating air, but Container 1 is exposed to regular day-night light cycles while Container 2 is placed in complete darkness. After three weeks, healthy mushroom fruiting bodies develop and flourish at equal rates in both containers. Which conclusion about what living things need to survive is best supported by these results?

    • A) All living organisms can permanently replace their need for food with water and air when sunlight is absent.
    • B) Sunlight is not directly required by all living things, as some organisms fulfill their energy needs by absorbing organic matter.
    • C) Fungi do not require any input of energy or nutrients to survive and produce new structures.
    • D) Environmental light prevents living things from effectively absorbing moisture and exchanging atmospheric gases.
11. 11.

    A student investigates the survival needs of plants by setting up two identical hydroponic glass jars, each containing a young bean plant exposed to identical sunlight, fresh air, and a temperature of 21°C. Jar A is filled with water containing a balanced mixture of essential mineral nutrients, while Jar B is filled with pure distilled water lacking any minerals. After four weeks, the plant in Jar A is vibrant and actively producing new foliage, whereas the plant in Jar B displays severe yellowing, ceases growth, and fails to survive. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

    • A) Plants can synthesize all necessary structural materials and survive indefinitely relying solely on pure water and sunlight.
    • B) Living plants require essential mineral nutrients from their surroundings alongside water, air, and light to sustain growth and survival.
    • C) Mineral nutrients serve as the direct replacement for sunlight when plants perform energy production.
    • D) Pure distilled water contains higher amounts of usable energy for autotrophs than water containing dissolved minerals.
12. 12.

    A student investigates the environmental requirements of plants by placing identical young tomato seedlings into two sealed, transparent enclosures with identical soil, moisture, and light at 22°C. Enclosure 1 is continuously supplied with fresh atmospheric air containing carbon dioxide, whereas Enclosure 2 receives air filtered to remove all carbon dioxide. Over three weeks, the seedlings in Enclosure 1 grow vigorously, whereas the seedlings in Enclosure 2 cease growth, wither, and fail to survive. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

    • A) Plants depend entirely on light and water for nutrition and do not require specific atmospheric gases to survive.
    • B) Plants require carbon dioxide from the air as an essential input to produce the food needed for survival.
    • C) Plants only use atmospheric gases to regulate temperature and maintain physical firmness within their tissues.
    • D) Plants absorb carbon dioxide primarily to release oxygen rather than to support their own vital metabolic functions.
13. 13.

    A field researcher investigates the survival requirements of small nocturnal rodents by monitoring two outdoor enclosures exposed to local birds of prey, providing both groups with identical, abundant supplies of seeds, fresh water, and air. Enclosure 1 contains hollow logs, rock piles, and dense brush that serve as physical shelters, whereas Enclosure 2 consists of bare ground offering no cover. Within ten days, the rodents in Enclosure 1 remain abundant and healthy, while almost all rodents in Enclosure 2 perish due to predation. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by this investigation?

    • A) Animals can survive indefinitely without food or water as long as they have access to dense protective vegetation.
    • B) Living things require physical shelter solely to regulate their internal body temperature against weather fluctuations.
    • C) Organisms require shelter within their habitat to protect themselves from environmental dangers and survive.
    • D) Having unlimited food and water eliminates the physiological necessity of protective cover in an animal's habitat.
14. 14.

    To investigate the survival requirements of animals, a student places equal numbers of healthy land hermit crabs into two identical, well-ventilated enclosures with ample shelter and dry food at 24°C. Enclosure 1 is provided with a dish of fresh water, whereas Enclosure 2 is kept completely dry without any source of moisture. Within a week, the crabs in Enclosure 1 remain active and healthy, whereas those in Enclosure 2 perish with most of their food left untouched. Which statement best explains what this investigation demonstrates about what living things need to survive?

    • A) Animals can survive solely on dry food and oxygen because nutrients contain sufficient energy to replace missing environmental moisture.
    • B) Water is an essential survival need that organisms require to maintain vital internal functions and utilize ingested nutrients.
    • C) Living organisms only require water when environmental temperatures are elevated beyond their normal physiological tolerance.
    • D) Animals can permanently substitute physical shelter and abundant oxygen for their fundamental physiological requirement for water.
15. 15.

    A student investigates the environmental requirements of aquatic life by placing equal numbers of freshwater snails into two sealed aquariums containing identical plants for food, clean water, and ample space at 20°C. Aquarium 1 is continuously supplied with dissolved atmospheric air through an aeration pump, whereas Aquarium 2 uses deoxygenated water with no gas exchange permitted. Over several days, the snails in Aquarium 1 remain active and healthy, whereas those in Aquarium 2 cease movement and perish despite having access to food, water, and shelter. Which conclusion regarding what living things need to survive is best supported by these observations?

    • A) Aquatic organisms can extract energy directly from liquid water to survive without exchanging gases.
    • B) Animals require atmospheric gases only when their living space is restricted or shelter is absent.
    • C) Living things can completely replace their gas requirements with nutrient intake in underwater habitats.
    • D) Organisms inhabiting aquatic environments still depend on dissolved gases from their surroundings to survive.
16. 16.

    A biologist cultivates two identical cultures of unicellular green algae in flasks filled with nutrient-rich water at an optimal temperature of 22°C, continuously bubbling both with fresh air containing carbon dioxide and oxygen. Flask 1 is exposed to regular cycles of light, whereas Flask 2 is placed inside a completely lightproof chamber. After two weeks, the algae in Flask 1 show healthy population growth and dense green pigmentation, whereas the algae in Flask 2 become colorless, stop dividing, and eventually perish. Which conclusion regarding the survival needs of living things is best supported by these results?

    • A) Living things require direct ingestion of external organic food particles even if atmospheric gases and light are abundant.
    • B) Organisms can completely substitute mineral nutrients and water for their cellular energy requirements over time.
    • C) Photosynthetic organisms depend on light as an indispensable energy source to manufacture the nutrients required to sustain life.
    • D) Maintaining an optimal environmental temperature eliminates the necessity of obtaining energy from external sources.
17. 17.

    An ecologist investigates the basic requirements for animal survival by housing two groups of ten identical freshwater shrimp under identical temperatures, continuous aeration, and equal rations of food per individual. Enclosure 1 provides a spacious habitat with plenty of room to disperse, whereas Enclosure 2 confines the shrimp to an extremely cramped volume where individuals constantly collide. Over three weeks, all shrimp in Enclosure 1 remain active and healthy, whereas the majority of shrimp in Enclosure 2 perish despite consuming their food and having plenty of oxygen. Which conclusion about the survival needs of living things is best supported by this investigation?

    • A) Animals can successfully substitute excess food and dissolved oxygen to overcome a complete lack of living space.
    • B) Consumable resources such as food, water, and air are the only fundamental requirements that govern animal survival.
    • C) Habitat volume is a survival factor only for photosynthetic organisms that require physical space to capture sunlight.
    • D) Adequate living space is an essential survival requirement that cannot be replaced solely by the provision of food, water, and air.
18. 18.

    A student sets up two identical enclosures containing crickets, providing both groups with identical quantities of fresh food, clean water, and a continuous flow of air containing oxygen. Enclosure X is maintained at a stable, moderate temperature of 22°C, while Enclosure Y is kept in an unheated chamber at -10°C. Within a day, the crickets in Enclosure X remain active and healthy, whereas those in Enclosure Y cease all movement and do not survive, leaving their food and water untouched. Which conclusion regarding the survival needs of living things is best supported by these observations?

    • A) Access to abundant food and water allows animals to overcome any extreme thermal condition in their habitat.
    • B) Atmospheric gases and moisture are the only essential requirements needed to sustain cellular activity in animals.
    • C) Inactive organisms can preserve energy indefinitely when external temperatures drop below freezing.
    • D) Living things require a suitable temperature range to sustain vital processes, meaning material resources alone cannot guarantee survival.
19. 19.

    A wildlife biologist investigates the fundamental requirements of animals by placing a population of mice into an enclosure where water, shelter, and fresh air are continuously maintained in excess. Over several weeks, the daily supply of food is deliberately kept at a fixed quantity while the number of mice in the enclosure increases. Despite having unlimited air, clean water, and ample physical space, the animals begin to lose body mass, display severe lethargy, and experience high mortality rates. Which conclusion about the survival needs of living things is best supported by these observations?

    • A) Animals can successfully compensate for a restricted food supply by increasing their intake of clean water and atmospheric oxygen.
    • B) Ample physical space and constant air exchange are the primary drivers of metabolic maintenance during periods of nutrient deprivation.
    • C) Food serves primarily as a trigger for reproductive behaviors rather than as a strict necessity for basic individual survival.
    • D) Chemical energy derived from food is an indispensable survival requirement that cannot be replaced by a surplus of other basic needs such as air, water, and space.
20. 20.

    A biology student investigates the survival needs of organisms by monitoring four identical seedling groups kept under the same light and temperature conditions. Group 1 receives water and normal air, Group 2 receives normal air but no water, Group 3 receives water but is deprived of all atmospheric gases, and Group 4 receives water and air without added soil nutrients. After two weeks, only Group 1 remains completely healthy, whereas Groups 2 and 3 perish within days. Based on these observations, which conclusion best explains why both water and air are essential for the survival of these plants?

    • A) Water acts solely as a physical anchor for root tissues, while gases serve only to maintain ambient atmospheric pressure around the chamber.
    • B) Atmospheric gases can fully compensate for dehydration by stimulating nutrient absorption through leaves in the absence of liquid water.
    • C) Water provides the medium for cellular transport and vital chemical reactions, while atmospheric gases supply the molecules required for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
    • D) Water and gases are interchangeable energy sources that plant cells break down directly to resist environmental temperature changes.

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