Answer
a) The theme identified in the razor-sharp quills of a porcupine is the emergence and development of new physical skeletal structures that can vary based on immediate environment. The quills of porcupines in the world, though composed of the same materials, vary around the world based on adaptation requirements of the environment.
b) The development of a multicellular organism from a single fertilized egg is an example of the expression of genetic information. Genetic information contained within cells dictates cell division and the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring during DNA replication. This genetic information further stimulates development.
c) A hummingbird using sugar to power its flight depicts energy conservation. It is important to know that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but is instead converted from one form to another. The hummingbird consumes sugar (glucose) and transforms it into chemical energy (released as heat) which is then used to perform work. In this case, work is the ability of the hummingbird to fly.
Work Step by Step
For a, understanding the fact that new properties emerge at successive levels of organization is the key.
For b, genetic transmission is key to the generation and development of offspring.
For c, understanding how transformation/conversion of energy works is key. For example, humans consume food the same way Hummingbirds consume food. The glucose in these foods are then broken down through various processes with the aid of enzymes to give ATP. ATP is then used to carry out work.
