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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?

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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.