What is assimilation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Assimilation is the process of changing absorbed substances into different chemical forms. It occurs after nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body. Choice B, breaking down foods into nutrients that the body can absorb, refers to the process of digestion rather than assimilation. Choice C, eliminating waste from the body, describes the process of excretion. Choice D, an increase in body size without a change in overall shape, does not accurately define assimilation.

Correct Answer: D.

Rationale: The correct answer is 'excretion.' Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products produced by metabolic reactions from the body. Metabolism (Choice A) refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. Absorption (Choice B) is the process of taking in nutrients and fluids into the body. Assimilation (Choice C) is the process of absorbing and incorporating nutrients into the body after digestion. Therefore, excretion is the most appropriate term for the removal of metabolic wastes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place within an organism to sustain life, including processes such as breaking down molecules, building new molecules, and energy production. Choice A is incorrect because it describes excretion rather than metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as it specifically refers to the breakdown of substances, not encompassing the entirety of metabolic processes. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on nutrient intake, which is just one aspect of metabolism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reproduction is the correct answer because it is not essential for maintaining the life of an individual organism. While reproduction is crucial for the continuation of a species, it is not directly related to the survival or maintenance of an individual organism. Responsiveness allows an organism to react to stimuli, movement helps in obtaining resources and avoiding danger, and respiration provides the necessary energy for life processes. Therefore, reproduction is the process that does not directly contribute to maintaining the life of an individual organism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reproduction is the most important process for the continuation of the human species as it involves the creation of new individuals. Without reproduction, the human species would cease to exist. Responsiveness and movement are essential for individual survival and functioning but do not directly impact the continuation of the species. Respiration is crucial for obtaining energy but is not directly linked to the continuation of the species.