Characteristics of Life Quiz

Characteristics of Life

• Definitions of life vary among biologists and scientists, illustrating its complexity.
• Commonly accepted characteristics that define life include several key features.

Metabolism

• Involves chemical processes that convert nutrients into energy and materials for growth.
• Essential for maintaining cellular functions and overall organismal activities.

Organization

• Living organisms exhibit a structured arrangement, from cells to complex systems.
• Levels of organization include cells, tissues, organs, and systems, highlighting complexity.

Homeostasis

• Refers to the ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
• Vital for processes such as temperature regulation and pH balance.

Irritability

• The capacity of an organism to respond to stimuli in its environment.
• Critical for survival, as it helps organisms adapt and react to changes.

Growth

• Living organisms undergo a process of development and increase in size.
• Growth involves cell division and differentiation, leading to complexity.

Reproduction

• The ability to produce new individuals, ensuring the continuation of a species.
• Can occur through sexual or asexual methods, contributing to genetic diversity.

Evolution

• The process through which populations change over time, adapting to their environments.
• Driven by mechanisms like natural selection, influencing the diversity of life.