What is living? · NCERT Biology

If we define growth as an increase in body mass, then non-living objects like mountains and sand mounds also grow. How is this growth different from that of living organisms?

  1. Non-living growth is temporary, while living growth is always permanent
  2. Non-living growth occurs by accumulation of material on the surface
  3. Living growth is purely external, while non-living growth is purely internal
  4. There is no meaningful difference; both are driven by environmental inputs
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Correct answer: Non-living growth occurs by accumulation of material on the surface

Growth in non-living objects (e.g., mountains, sand dunes) is extrinsic: material simply accumulates on the outer surface. Growth in living organisms is intrinsic, occurring from within through cell division and biosynthesis. This distinction is central to NCERT's definition of life.

Difficulty: Medium Question 26 of 38

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