Final answer:
The true statement about an open systems perspective is that it involves systems which exchange energy and mass with their surroundings, such as biological organisms, and can achieve a dynamic steady state where the energy input equals the output.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of an open systems perspective is important in many fields, including Biology and environmental science. The idea is that open systems are in constant interaction with their surroundings, exchanging energy and matter. Here are some of their properties:
- Open systems exchange energy and mass with their surroundings.
- Open systems never reach equilibrium because they are always subjected to a flow of energy and materials from and to the environment.
- They can achieve a steady state where the energy input rate is equal to the energy output rate.
- The steady state of an open system can change in response to environmental conditions.
- In open systems, even reactions that consume energy (endergonic reactions) can be spontaneous if they are coupled with energy sources from the surroundings.
All living organisms are examples of open systems as they continuously exchange energy and matter with their environment, e.g., through metabolism and respiration.