If the entropy of a living organism is decreasing, which of the following is most likely to be occurring simultaneously?

• A. The entropy of the organism's environment must also be decreasing.
• B. Heat is being used by the organism as a source of energy.
• C. The first law of thermodynamics is being violated.
• D. In this situation, the second law of thermodynamics must not apply.
• E. Energy input into the organism must be occurring to drive the decrease in entropy.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of entropy: Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. In biological systems, a decrease in entropy typically means that the organism is becoming more ordered, which requires energy input.
2. Consider the second law of thermodynamics: This law states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. However, living organisms are not isolated systems; they exchange energy and matter with their environment.
3. Recognize the need for energy input: For an organism to decrease its entropy, it must receive energy from its environment. This energy is used to maintain order and perform biological functions.
4. Evaluate the options: The correct answer involves energy input into the organism. The other options either misinterpret thermodynamic laws or incorrectly assume changes in the environment's entropy.
5. Conclude that energy input is necessary: The decrease in entropy within the organism is driven by energy input, which allows the organism to maintain order and function effectively.