Question

You are asked whether a sample came from a living thing. Chemical analysis shows that it consists mostly of calcium and sulfur, so you say that ________?

1) It is a living thing
2) It is not a living thing
3) It is a mineral
4) It is a plant

Answer 1

A sample mostly consisting of calcium and sulfur is likely not a living thing but may be a mineral, as it does not exhibit the complex carbon chemistry and cellular structure characteristic of life.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a chemical analysis shows that a sample consists mostly of calcium and sulfur, we can deduce that it is most likely not a living thing. All living things are characterized by traits like responding to the environment, growth and development, reproduction, maintaining homeostasis, having complex chemistry, and being made up of cells. Calcium and sulfur, without the presence of complex carbon molecules or cell structures, indicate that the sample is not consistent with the characteristics of life but may be an inorganic substance, such as a mineral.