What scientific principle might be tested in life sciences?

The classification of living organisms and basic cell biology is a fundamental aspect of life sciences that encompasses a wide range of topics. This area of study includes understanding how different organisms are categorized based on their evolutionary relationships, morphological characteristics, and genetic information. Meanwhile, basic cell biology involves exploring the structure and function of cells, which are the building blocks of all living organisms.

This choice is essential in life sciences because it lays the groundwork for other biological concepts, such as genetics, ecology, and physiology. Mastery of classification and cellular functions enables students to connect broader themes, such as how organisms interact with their environment and how they adapt over time.

In contrast, other provided choices focus on unrelated subjects. For example, basic principles of arithmetic do not pertain directly to the core scientific inquiries in life sciences. Similarly, while historical events of biological discoveries are interesting, they do not represent a scientific principle being actively tested. Lastly, mathematical principles, although important in research, focus on quantitative methods rather than the biological content of life sciences. Thus, the classification of living organisms and basic cell biology stands out as the most relevant principle tested in life sciences.