Answer:
There are eight characteristics that apply to all living things, regardless of their size, shape, or complexity. These characteristics are:
- Cells: All living things are made up of one or more cells, which are the basic unit of life.
- Reproduction: All living things are capable of reproducing, either sexually or asexually, to create new individuals.
- Metabolism: All living things require energy to carry out their life processes, and they obtain this energy through metabolism, which involves the breakdown of nutrients.
- Homeostasis: All living things maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis, by regulating their internal conditions.
- Growth and development: All living things grow and develop over time, from a single cell to a mature organism.
- Response to stimuli: All living things respond to changes in their environment, such as light, temperature, or sound.
- Adaptation: All living things are capable of adapting to their environment over time, through natural selection and evolution.
- DNA: All living things contain genetic material, usually in the form of DNA, which is passed down from generation to generation.
These eight characteristics are essential for life, and they help to distinguish living things from non-living things.
Step-by-step explanation: