[Campbell Biology P.21] Based on Figure 8.1 and the accompanying text, which statement accu... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 8.1 and the accompanying text, which statement accurately describes the Second Law of Thermodynamics in biological processes as illustrated by bioluminescence?

  • A: Energy is created during the bioluminescent process of click beetle larvae.
  • B: The conversion of light energy to chemical energy in plants results in a net decrease in entropy.
  • C: Heat is released during every energy transformation, such as digestion by termites and click beetle larvae, contributing to increased entropy.
  • D: Chemical energy in organic molecules is completely converted into light energy by click beetle larvae without any energy loss.

Explanation

Figure 8.1 clearly illustrates that during biological energy transformations, such as plants making organic molecules, termites digesting plants, and click beetle larvae producing light, heat is released. This release of heat represents energy that increases the entropy disorder of the universe, which is a fundamental principle of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.