Which of the following systems does not display emergent properties?

• A. A colony of bees
• B. A drop of water
• C. A calculator
• D. None of the listed responses is correct.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of emergent properties: Emergent properties are characteristics that arise from the interaction and organization of simpler elements within a system, which are not present in the individual elements themselves.
2. Analyze the colony of bees: A colony of bees exhibits emergent properties because the collective behavior and organization of the colony, such as communication and division of labor, are not present in individual bees.
3. Consider a drop of water: A drop of water can display emergent properties, such as surface tension and cohesion, which arise from the interactions between water molecules.
4. Evaluate a calculator: A calculator, as a system, can also exhibit emergent properties. The ability to perform complex calculations arises from the interaction of its components, such as circuits and software, which individually do not perform calculations.
5. Conclude that all listed systems display emergent properties: Since each system (a colony of bees, a drop of water, and a calculator) exhibits emergent properties, none of the listed responses is correct in terms of lacking emergent properties.