While walking in the woods one day, you come across a strange object. You decide to investigate the object to determine if it is a living organism or not. Explain the characteristics you would look for to determine if the object you found is a living organism.

Question

Please type your answer in 3-5 complete sentences. Do NOT plagiarize!

Answer 1

To determine if the object is a living organism, I would examine several key characteristics. First, I would check for signs of growth or reproduction, such as any budding or splitting of the object. Next, I would look for responses to stimuli, such as movement or changes in appearance when touched or exposed to light. Additionally, I would assess whether it shows any signs of metabolism, which could include the presence of energy use or waste products. Finally, I would consider its cellular structure; if it appears composed of cells, that would strongly indicate it is a living organism.