Characteristics of Life

What is the most basic unit of life?

• cell

• tissue

• organ

• organ system

Which characteristic is shown: A plant switches position and follows the sunlight throughout the day.

• Grow and develop

• Respond to a stimulus

• Acquire and use energy

• Reproduce

Which of the following best describes cellular organization in living organisms?

• All living organisms are made up of non-cellular components.

• Only multicellular organisms consist of cells.

• All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

• Cells in living organisms do not have a specific organization.

What is metabolism in the context of living organisms?

• The process by which organisms deteriorate over time.

• The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life.

• The ability of organisms to reproduce and pass on genetic information.

• The movement of organisms in response to external stimuli.

How do living organisms respond to stimuli?

• By remaining static and unchanged in all conditions.

• Through random movements without direction.

• By adapting their behavior or physiology in response to changes in their environment.

• By ceasing all metabolic activities.

What does homeostasis refer to in living organisms?

• The process of reducing cellular organization.

• The ability to reproduce under any environmental condition.

• The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

• The decrease in metabolic rates under stressful conditions.

Which of the following is an example of growth in living organisms?

• A rock breaking down into smaller pieces over time.

• A plant increasing in size and complexity.

• The evaporation of water from a pond.

• The movement of clouds in the sky.

What is a key difference between growth and development in living organisms?

• Growth refers to an increase in size, while development refers to becoming less complex.

• Growth can happen without development, but development cannot occur without growth.

• Growth refers to an increase in size, while development refers to changes in complexity and function.

• There is no difference; growth and development are the same.

Which of the following statements about reproduction in living organisms is true?

• Only multicellular organisms are capable of reproduction.

• Reproduction is not essential for the survival of individual organisms, but it is necessary for the continuation of a species.

• All living organisms reproduce sexually.

• Reproduction always involves the growth of new organisms from nonliving matter.

What role does metabolism play in homeostasis?

• Metabolism eliminates the need for homeostasis in living organisms.

• Metabolic reactions are unrelated to the process of homeostasis.

• Metabolism provides the energy and the means by which cells maintain homeostasis.

• Homeostasis controls metabolism, but metabolism does not influence homeostasis.