How is it possible for living organisms to comply with the second law of thermodynamics?
A) Chemical reactions inside cells mostly cause an increase in high -level energy.
B) Living organisms are unique in that they do not require energy for survival.
C) Organisms are able to function efficiently on heat energy alone.
D) Sunlight functions as an ultimate source of energy for most forms of life on Earth.
E) Living organisms are totally isolated systems that are not subject to the laws of physics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. Living organisms comply with this law by not being isolated systems; they exchange energy and matter with their surroundings. Sunlight serves as the primary source of energy for photosynthetic organisms, which then serves as an energy source for other forms of life, allowing them to decrease their own entropy while increasing the entropy of the universe overall.

How Is It Possible for Living Organisms to Comply with the Second