Answer to Question #197329 in Biology for Accordance

Question

(1) Investigate cultural beliefs about the stars in your community.

(2) Why is Pluto a dwarf planet?

Answer 1

1. Some cultures believe that fallen stars represent souls that have been released from purgatory to heaven. In other areas, a shooting star represents the soul of a newborn baby.

2. There are three criteria of the International Astronomical Union for a full-sized planet: (1) It is in orbit around the Sun, (2) it has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium, and (3) it has “cleared the neighbourhood” around its orbit. Pluto does not meet the last criteria and is classified as a dwarf planet.