Growth and reproduction does not contain defining characteristic of living organisms why?

Question

Answer

Growth is defined as inversible increase in the number of cells or mass of living structure. If we consider increase in body mass at growth, non living objects like sand mounts grow too. Hence growth cannot be taken as a defining property if living organisms. Though it is a characteristics of living organisms . In case of non - living growth is external but in case of living growth is internal.

Reproduction :- Unicellular organisms reproduce by cell division. In multicellular organisms reproduction mostly refers to sexual reproduction and some of them reproduce asexually also. Reproduction cannot be considered an inclusive defining characteristics of living organisms of the following.
In single celled organism growth and reproduction are synonym as increased in no. of cells is considered as growth as well reproduction. Organisms like mule and liger can't reproduce fertile offspring

Answer

Growth and reproduction is not the characteristics of living organisms because non living also shows growth by the accumulation of material over it and living organisms like mules, sterile worker bees,infertile human couples don't show reproduction.

Answer

Growth and reproduction does not contain defining characteristic of living organisms:

Living organisms possess several defining characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. These characteristics include the ability to grow and reproduce, but it is important to note that these characteristics alone are not sufficient to define living organisms. Here's why:

1. Growth:
- Growth refers to an increase in size, mass, or complexity of an organism over time.
- While growth is a common characteristic of living organisms, it is not exclusive to them. Non-living things can also demonstrate growth, such as crystals forming or ice accumulating.
- Growth alone does not define living organisms because it can occur in both living and non-living systems.

2. Reproduction:
- Reproduction refers to the ability of living organisms to produce offspring, ensuring the continuity of their species.
- Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of life, but it is not unique to living organisms. Some non-living things can also replicate or reproduce, such as self-replicating machines or certain chemical reactions.
- Reproduction alone does not define living organisms because it can occur in both living and non-living systems.

Defining characteristics of living organisms:
Living organisms possess additional defining characteristics that set them apart from non-living things. These characteristics include:

1. Cellular organization: Living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life. Each cell carries out specific functions necessary for the organism's survival.

2. Metabolism: Living organisms exhibit metabolism, which involves the acquisition, transformation, and utilization of energy and nutrients to carry out various life processes.

3. Response to stimuli: Living organisms can respond to internal and external stimuli, adapting to changes in their environment.

4. Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment through homeostasis, regulating their internal conditions despite external fluctuations.

5. Adaptation: Living organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment over generations through genetic variations and natural selection.

6. Evolution: Living organisms undergo evolution, characterized by changes in heritable traits over time, leading to the diversity of life on Earth.

Conclusion:
While growth and reproduction are important characteristics of living organisms, they are not exclusive to them. Defining living organisms requires considering additional characteristics such as cellular organization, metabolism, response to stimuli, homeostasis, adaptation, and evolution. These combined characteristics distinguish living organisms from non-living things and contribute to the complexity and diversity of life on our planet.

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