What are the characteristics of life? What distinguishes a living thing from a non-living thing?
The characteristics of life include the following:
1. Organization: Living things are highly organized and composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life. Non-living things do not exhibit such complex organization.
2. Metabolism: Living organisms have the ability to obtain and use energy to carry out various physiological processes necessary for life. They can convert energy from their environment into a usable form for growth, reproduction, and other activities. Non-living things do not possess metabolic processes.
3. Homeostasis: Living organisms have the ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. They can regulate their internal temperature, pH level, water balance, and other factors to ensure survival. Non-living things do not possess the ability to maintain homeostasis.
4. Growth and Development: Living things have the potential for growth and development throughout their life cycle. They can increase in size, complexity, and differentiate into specialized cells or tissues. Non-living things do not exhibit such growth or development.
5. Reproduction: Living organisms have the ability to produce offspring either sexually or asexually, ensuring the continuation of their species. Non-living things cannot reproduce.
6. Response to Stimuli: Living things can respond to external stimuli in their environment. They can detect changes and react accordingly. This ability allows them to adapt and survive. Non-living things do not respond to stimuli.
7. Evolution: Living organisms can undergo changes over long periods of time through the process of evolution. They can adapt to their environment, leading to the emergence of new species. Non-living things do not evolve.
These characteristics collectively distinguish living things from non-living things.
What are the characteristics of life? What distinguishes a living thing from a non-living thing?
in one sentence
Living organisms exhibit organization, metabolism, homeostasis, growth and development, reproduction, response to stimuli, and evolution, distinguishing them from non-living things.
What sort of things are hard to classify as one or the other/? Why?
one sentence