All living organisms contain carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the statement: 'All living organisms contain carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.'
Option 1: 'scientific fact' — This option treats the statement as an empirically verifiable claim about the natural world. In biology, the ubiquity of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in living systems is well supported by evidence across diverse life forms, making it a strong factual claim. However, calling it a 'fact' universally depends on current empirical consensus; some nuances (such as extreme edge cases or undiscovered biology) could challenge absolutes. Still, as a general statement about known life, many would categorize it as a scientific fact.
Option 2: 'scientific theory' — This option reframes the statement as a theoretical framework or overarching explanation. A theory in science provides a well-substantiated model that explains a wide range of phenomena and can generate testable predictions. The claim that all living organisms contain C, N, and P is more of a factual observation supported by data rather than a theory that explains processes or mechanisms. Describing it as a theory would mischaracterize its role as an empirical generalization rather than a unifying explanatory model.
Option 3: 'outside science' — This option denies the scientific status of the claim by placing it beyond science. Given the extensive empirical evidence from biochemistry, molecular biology, and enzymology confirming the elemental composition of life, relegating this statement to non-scientific territory would be incorrect. It remains within the realm of scientific observation and consensus, not outside science.
To summarize the reasoning, the first option treats the claim as a verified empirical fact, the second would inappropriately elevate it to a theoretical framework, and the third incorrectly places it outside the domain of science. Each choice hinges on how one interprets the role of empirical evidence versus explanatory frameworks in scientific discourse.

BIOLOGY 109 001 WN 2025 Quiz 1

All living organisms contain carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

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