Which of the following sets of characteristics is considered the defining properties of living organisms without exception?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Metabolism and consciousness
Metabolism and consciousness (response to stimuli) are defining properties because they occur in all living beings without exception. Growth and reproduction are not defining properties as some non-living things grow (accumulation of matter) and some living organisms like mules or worker bees do not reproduce.
Keep practicing
More What is living? questions
- In unicellular organisms like Amoeba, which two processes are often considered synonymous?
- Why is 'increase in body mass' not considered a defining property of living beings?
- Which statement correctly describes 'Metabolism'?
- The most obvious and technically complicated feature of all living organisms is:
- Self-consciousness is a unique characteristic of which organism?
- In plants, growth occurs ______; whereas in animals, growth occurs ______.