Of the give characteristics of living things, which one is required for the species to survive but does not have to apply to an individual

Reproduction is a characteristic of living things that is required for a species to survive but does not have to apply to an individual. Each individual within a species does not necessarily need to reproduce in order for the species as a whole to survive. As long as there is successful reproduction occurring within the species, it can continue to thrive and evolve over time.