Final answer:
The seven basic functions of life are homeostasis, organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, and reproduction. These functions are essential in defining what it means to be alive and are shared characteristics among all living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 7 Basic Functions of Life
All living organisms share several key characteristics that are critical in defining life. While some resources may list up to nine characteristics, the seven basic functions of life according to most scientists include:
Homeostasis
Organization
Metabolism
Growth
Adaptation
Response to stimuli
Reproduction
Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. Organization refers to the complex and ordered structure of living organisms. Metabolism encompasses the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to sustain life. Growth is the increase in size and often in number of cells, which contributes to the overall development of the organism. Adaptation is the process whereby an organism becomes better suited to its habitat. Response to stimuli involves the ability to sense changes in the environment and react accordingly. Lastly, Reproduction is the biological process by which new individual organisms are produced, thus ensuring the continuation of a species.