Imagine That in 2020 You Are the Top Biologist at a Research

question 20

Essay

Imagine that in 2020 you are the top biologist at a research station studying biodiversity in Costa Rica. A young scientist brings you a sample from a previously unexplored site. She asks you to look at the sample and determine whether it indeed contains microscopic, living organisms. As you begin your investigations, you must first decide what characteristics distinguish life from nonlife. How would you differentiate a living organism from nonliving matter (including viruses and prions)?

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Definitions:

Environmental Goals

Objectives set by an organization or a government to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Social Goals

Objectives that relate to improving societal well-being and addressing the needs of a community or population.

Enhanced Profits

Increased earnings resulting from improved business operations, pricing strategies, cost reduction, or sales growth.

Triple Bottom Line Framework

This framework evaluates a company's performance in terms of social, environmental, and financial outcomes, emphasizing sustainability and corporate responsibility.