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The smallest living things depend on how a living thing is defined. Some biologists do not believe viruses are living organisms because there are no free living forms (all are parasitic) and because they must reply on their host for reproduction. Others believe that, despite this, they have an existence of their own separate to the host and are subject to natural selection and are therefore alive. If you accept viruses are not alive, the smallest living things would be amongst the bacteria or protists. Bacteria are single celled organisms with no cell nucleus while protists have a nucleus. Generally the bacteria are slightly smaller but their sizes overlap. If you accept that viruses are alive, the smallest group are the Parvoviruses between 18 and 26 nanometres. These are single stranded DNA viruses. 1 nm = 1/1000000000 metres or 0.000039 inches.

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What is the smallest unit of living systems?

This question is vague therefore I have provided two answers and explanations. The single cell is the smallest living unit within a living system. Quarks are the smallest particles of matter and atoms which composes all living things.


What is the smallest group of invertebrates?

The smallest group of invertebrates is the phylum Placozoa, which consists of a single known species, Trichoplax adhaerens. These simple, flattened organisms are composed of only a few cell layers and lack organs or distinct tissues.


What is a group of living things called?

A group of living things is called a population if they belong to the same species, a community if they comprise different species living in the same area, and an ecosystem if they interact with each other and their physical environment.


What are the two goals of systematics?

the goals of systematic is to organize living things into group that have biological meaning.


Ways to group and identify living things?

Living things can be grouped and identified based on their similarities in characteristics, such as body structure, behavior, and genetic makeup. Scientists use taxonomy, a system that classifies organisms into hierarchical categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, to categorize and identify living things. Additionally, molecular techniques like DNA sequencing can also be used to determine relationships and group living things based on genetic similarities.

Related Questions

What is the smallest group into which scientists classify living things?

The smallest group into which scientists classify living things is a species. A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.


What is the smallest group scientists classify living things?

Np


What is the smallest identifying group into which living things are classified by scientists?

The smallest identifying group into which living things are classified by scientists is called a species. A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in natural conditions. This classification helps scientists categorize and understand the diversity of life on Earth.


Is genus or species the smallest division of living things?

Species is the smallest division of living things, as it refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Genus is a grouping of similar species that share common characteristics.


The smallest living things are single?

yes the smallest living orginizms are single celled


What is the smallest kingdom of living things?

eubacteria is the smallest kingdom


What is the smallest unit of a living organism or nonliving thing?

The cell is the smallest living thing and an atom is the smallest non-living thing.


What is the smallest living part of a plant or an animal?

the smallest living things are made of of a single cell


What is Smallest living cell?

Mycoplasms =) The smallest living cell is called SAR11. It also has the smallest genome. It is a bacteria group found mainly in the seas.


What are the smallest structers to living things?

cells


How are living things made?

Living Things Are All Made Of Atoms.....It Is The Smallest Part Of Any Element


What are the smallest groups into which living things are classified are?

They are ed