Unit 1 Target 5: Fungi, Plant, And Animal

Most animals share the characteristics of being able to move, having sensory organs, and having internal digestion. This means that they can actively change their position, perceive their environment through senses, and break down food internally for energy. These characteristics are common across various animal species and are essential for their survival and adaptation to their surroundings.

Fungi are important to an ecosystem as decomposers. They play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. This process releases essential nutrients back into the soil, which can then be used by other organisms. Without fungi, dead organic material would accumulate, leading to nutrient depletion and a disruption in the ecosystem's nutrient cycle. Therefore, fungi are vital for maintaining the balance and health of an ecosystem as decomposers.

Plants use the energy of sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This process allows plants to produce their own food and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Therefore, the correct answer is "carry out photosynthesis."

Eukaryotes are organisms that have cells containing a nucleus, specialized organelles, and genetic material. The nucleus is the control center of the cell, where the DNA is stored and transcribed into RNA. Specialized organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, perform specific functions within the cell. Genetic material, in the form of DNA, carries the instructions for the development and functioning of the organism. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as eukaryotes typically possess all these characteristics.

A plant is classified as a multicellular eukaryote because it is made up of multiple cells and has a true nucleus within its cells. Plants are known for their ability to perform photosynthesis, which requires complex cellular structures and organelles that are characteristic of eukaryotic organisms. Additionally, plants have specialized tissues and organs that allow them to carry out various functions such as absorbing water and nutrients, reproducing, and responding to their environment.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because fungi do not contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis in plants. Fungi also have cell walls that contain chitin, a structural carbohydrate that provides support and protection. Additionally, fungi do not produce their own food through photosynthesis but obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter or by forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Therefore, all three statements are true for fungi.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This is because all members of the kingdom Animalia are indeed heterotrophs, meaning they obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms. Additionally, animals are multicellular, meaning they are composed of multiple cells working together. Lastly, animal cells do not have cell walls, which is a characteristic that sets them apart from other organisms such as plants and fungi. Therefore, all three statements are true for members of the kingdom Animalia.

Without gas exchange, a plant would be unable to make food because the process of photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into energy, requires the exchange of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. These gases are necessary for the plant to produce glucose, which is used as food for growth and development. Therefore, without gas exchange, the plant would not be able to produce the necessary nutrients for its survival.

Fungi obtain energy by absorbing digested nutrients. Unlike plants, fungi do not have chlorophyll to perform photosynthesis and cannot directly obtain energy from the sun. Instead, they obtain organic matter from their environment, such as decaying organic material or living organisms, and absorb the nutrients through their mycelium. This process is known as absorption nutrition, where fungi secrete digestive enzymes onto their food source and then absorb the broken-down nutrients for energy.

Muscle tissue and nervous tissue are found only in animals. While other options like the ability to move, sexual reproduction, and heterotrophy are also commonly associated with animals, they can be found in other organisms as well. However, muscle tissue, which allows for movement, and nervous tissue, which enables coordination and communication within the body, are unique to animals. These tissues are specialized adaptations that contribute to the diverse range of movements and behaviors exhibited by animals.

Plants living on land need to conserve water because they are exposed to the air and sunlight, which can cause water loss through evaporation. By conserving water, plants can prevent dehydration and maintain their cellular functions. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in a terrestrial environment where water availability may be limited.