Question

It is said that the elemental composition of living organisms and that of inanimate objects (like earth's crust) are similar in the sense that all the major elements are present in both. Then what would be the difference between these two groups? Choose the CORRECT answer from among the following:

• A. Living organisms have more gold in them than inanimate objects
• B. Living organisms have more water in their body than inanimate objects
• C. Living organisms have more calcium in them than inanimate objects.
• D. Living organisms have more carbon, oxygen and hydrogen per unit mass than inanimate objects.​

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

In the biosphere, all living and non-living matter is made up of similar elements. The four major elements found in the living organisms are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen and are found to be more per unit mass as compared to the inanimate objects. Thus this will help to differentiate them from the non-living entities. The table gives the difference of the elements present in the Earth's crust and the human body.