To distinguish non-living things that have some of the characteristics of life from living things, the non-living things are checked to determine if they possess and exhibit all the characteristics of life.
Definitions;
Characteristics of living things include:
Homeostasis:
- Homeostasis is the regulation of the internal environment of a living thing.
Organisation
- Most multicellular organisms characteristically show a defined hierarchical level of organisation.
Movement:
- This involves the change of position of living things as a whole or part of the living thing.
Respiration:
- It is characterized by the breaking down of chemicals to release the energy so it can be used by the organism.
Metabolism:
- Metabolism is a set of several life sustaining chemical processes. This can take the catabolic or anabolic form. .
Adaptation:
- Living things are able to adjust themselves to their surroundings. These adaptations may include changes in structure or behaviour of an organism
Response to stimulus:
- It is the ability of living organisms to sense and respond to conditions or changes in the external environment.
Reproduction:
- It is the ability to produce offspring. It is an essential characteristic for the continuity of species.
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