Chapter 1, Problem 1RQ

You are a living organism. Which characteristics of life do you exhibit?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The characteristics of life that living organisms exhibit.

Introduction: Biologists are continuously studying about the exact concept of life. Living things are too diverse, and they consist of some basic components as non-living things. As per a biologist’s point of view, the life of living organisms is in increasingly inclusive levels of organization.

Explanation of Solution

The basic characteristics of life that living organisms exhibit are as follows:

• Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. Living things mainly consists of single cell or more cells.
• Living organisms use energy and raw materials in food that help in building and functioning of life.
• Living organisms have the ability to sense and respond to the changes that occur in the environment.
• Living organisms always maintain body homeostasis. Homeostasis is a state in which an organism is able to maintain the internal environment within a tolerable range.
• Living organisms have the ability to reproduce and grow as per the instructions in the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).