answersLogoWhite

0

MRS GREN is how to remember them, - Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion and Nutrition

There is still some debate as to how one can determine if something is alive or not. Currently, we tend to look at the characteristics that "living" things already exhibit, which are: 1. Composed of cells; if no cell, no life. (for this reason, viruses are not considered to be alive.) 2. Organization; both on a molecular and cellular level. 3. Metabolism; all living organisms must use energy of some sort. 4. Response to Stimuli; simple or complex actions in response to environment. Adaptation would fit under this topic as well. 5. Reproduction; living things must be able to reproduce, not for the individual, but for the continuation of life. 6. Growth; not all organisms must grow or develop, through cell enlargement or replication, but it is common in most living things.

If something has only two or three of the characteristics listed above, it is not considered to be alive. Life must exhibit the first five characteristics to truly be alive.

The ability to reproduce, consume, and to cease existence (i.e. die) are traits that could be used to describe that which lives.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?