Question

A living organism can be exceptionally differentiated from a non-living thing on the basis of its ability for (a) Reproduction and Excretion (b) Growth and Movement (c) Responsiveness to touch and temperature (d) Interaction with environment and progressive evolution

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) Interaction with environment and progressive evolution.

Step-by-step solution

- Reevaluate All Options

Review each option carefully. (a) Reproduction and Excretion - While true for living organisms, these are not the defining characteristics, as non-living things can exhibit similar behaviors. (b) Growth and Movement - These are characteristics of living things but again, there are non-living things that can appear to grow and move. (c) Responsiveness to touch and temperature - Though these are characteristics of living organisms, these are not the defining characteristics. (d) Interaction with environment and progressive evolution - These, particularly the characteristic of progressive evolution, seem to encompass more uniquely defining features of life.

- Use Biological Knowledge

Based on biological knowledge, living organisms are defined by their ability to evolve over generations and interact with their environment. This criteria is more unique to living organisms compared to growth, movement, excretion, and even responsiveness to stimuli.

- Select the Correct Option

Since progressive evolution is a characteristic unique only to living organisms, the correct answer is option (d) Interaction with environment and progressive evolution.

Key concepts

Progressive Evolution

Understanding progressive evolution is essential to distinguish living organisms from the non-living. Living organisms possess the unique capability to change genetically over successive generations, leading to changes in their physical form, functions, and behaviors. This change is often a result of the process known as natural selection, where organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common within the population.

Evolution is progressive because it builds upon the genetic variations that occur from one generation to the next, creating an ever-diversifying tree of life. This process is continuous and dynamic, leading to the vast biodiversity we observe today. It’s important to note that non-living things do not evolve; they may change due to chemical reactions or physical alterations, but these changes do not involve generational genetic variations.

Interaction with Environment

Interaction with the environment is another definitive characteristic of living organisms. They do not exist in isolation but are constantly engaging with and adapting to their surroundings. This interaction can take various forms, such as competition for resources, predator-prey relationships, and symbiotic partnerships. Living organisms respond to environmental changes physiologically and behaviorally, which may also drive evolutionary processes.

For example, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, a direct interaction with the environment that sustains them and affects the atmospheric composition. Animals, on the other hand, may migrate in response to climate variations, impacting different ecosystems. These interactions are vital for maintaining an ecological balance and showcase the dynamic nature of life.

Biological Responsiveness

When we consider biological responsiveness, we focus on the fact that living organisms actively respond to stimuli. This characteristic allows them to maintain homeostasis, which is crucial for survival. Responses can be immediate, like the quick withdrawal of a hand from a hot surface, or they can be more complex, involving numerous physiological pathways, such as flowering in plants in response to seasonal changes.

Responsiveness is not limited to external stimulus; organisms also respond to internal cues, such as hormonal changes. This ability to respond is intricate and controlled by various biological systems, which is again unique to living things. Non-living entities may respond to physical forces, but they do not exhibit the purposeful, complex responsiveness seen in life forms.