Which of the Following Best Describes Living Systems

Question

Which of the following best describes living systems?
A)They are closed systems exchanging only energy with the surroundings.
B)They are isolated systems that are totally contained.
C)They are open systems exchanging only energy with the surroundings.
D)They are open systems exchanging both energy and matter with their surroundings.

Accepted Answer

Living systems are open systems, meaning that they exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings. This includes taking in nutrients and expelling waste products, as well as exchanging gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.