Living systems
A) violate the first law of thermodynamics.
B) violate the second law of thermodynamics.
C) decrease their entropy while increasing the entropy of the universe.
D) are examples of a closed system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Living systems decrease their own entropy by organizing molecules into complex structures, but this process requires energy, which increases the entropy of the universe overall, in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics. They do not violate the first or second laws of thermodynamics, nor are they closed systems, as they exchange energy and matter with their surroundings.

Living Systems