Are eggs in a carton alive?

* Technically, yes. Eggs contain a living organism – the embryo. However, the embryo is in a dormant state, not actively developing until it is fertilized and incubated.

* Practically, no. The vast majority of eggs we buy at the store are unfertilized. This means the embryo inside is not alive in the sense that it's growing or developing. It's basically a single cell waiting for the right conditions.

* Potentially, yes. If an egg is fertilized, the embryo will start to grow and develop. This is why it's important to store eggs properly and cook them thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or viruses.

So, while eggs are technically alive, they are not alive in the same way that a chicken is alive. It's a matter of perspective and understanding the different stages of life.