What according to you constitutes the characteristics of life? People might come up with numerous subjective answers to this question. However, having a life has an entirely different meaning in terms of biology. Going by the biological reference, features of life appertain to the bodily process and functionalities. Also, the acts of moving and breathing are not counted exclusively.
For all those who skipped a few of their biology lessons, here are the 6 characteristics of life:-
#1. Reproduction
One of the most basic and fundamental characteristics of life, reproduction is imperative for a species to create more of its kind. Without the ability to reproduce, the species will only end up on the verge of extinction. Reproduction can be both sexual and asexual.
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#2. Homeostasis
Have you ever given a thought about how does your body regulate its body temperature? Well, it is just another one of the characteristics of life. We, as living beings, have the ability to regulate our body temperature and keep our internal bodily environment balanced. Biologists call this fundamental feature homeostasis.
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#3. Metabolism
For all the fitness freaks, the terms metabolism comes in quite handy. Biologically, metabolism refers to the chemical reactions which occur within our body to maintain the living state of cells. To put it in perspective, it is metabolism which converts your food into energy and helps you digest.
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#4. Adaptation
Living beings have the ability to adapt to a particular environment. Not only does it increase the likelihood of your survival physiologically, but it also involves behavioral changes.
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#5. Growth
One of the most apparent and fundamental characteristics of life is growth and development. Every living being, from a human to a plant, has the ability to grow. The growth is not only in terms of an increased body size, but there is also an enhancement of the bodily strength and abilities.
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#6. Responsiveness
Responsiveness is the most impeccable and interesting one of the characteristics of life. Unlike every other thing, living beings have the ability to respond to an external stimulus. While some responses are quite predictable, others may come as unforeseen. Interestingly, the responses may also vary from organism to organism.
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We would love to hear more from you on the characteristics of life. Kindly use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions with us.
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