What is Life?

Questions and Answers

What are some of the defining characteristics of life according to the text?

Some defining characteristics of life include capacity for homeostasis, organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, and reproduction.

What makes defining viruses as living organisms difficult?

Defining viruses as living organisms is difficult because they replicate only in host cells.

Where does life exist on Earth according to the text?

Life exists all over the Earth in air, water, and soil, with many ecosystems forming the biosphere.

What are some theories and philosophies mentioned in the text regarding the nature of life?

<p>The text mentions theories such as Empedocles's materialism and Aristotle's hylomorphism, which assert different views on the nature of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did life originate according to the text, and what evolved from it?

<p>Life originated at least 3.5 billion years ago, resulting in a universal common ancestor, which evolved into all the species that exist now.</p> Signup and view all the answers