Seven Characteristics of Living Things
There are 7 characteristics that determine whether something is animate or inanimate. There are, of course, exceptions. First, I will go over the seven characteristics and then I will give two examples that seem to break the deal, but actually do nothing of the sort.
Living things...
1.Detect and React to external stimuli
2. Use Energy
3. Evolve
4. Grow
5. Reproduce
6. Maintain Homeostasis
7. Are Cellular
Now, think for a minute about a mule. A mule exhibits all of these characteristics except for one (reproduction), yet it is still a living creature. And a virus, which is a non-living entity, exhibits 6 of the seven characteristics (exception: being cellular). Strange, but good science always leaves room for interpretation.
Living things...
1.Detect and React to external stimuli
2. Use Energy
3. Evolve
4. Grow
5. Reproduce
6. Maintain Homeostasis
7. Are Cellular
Now, think for a minute about a mule. A mule exhibits all of these characteristics except for one (reproduction), yet it is still a living creature. And a virus, which is a non-living entity, exhibits 6 of the seven characteristics (exception: being cellular). Strange, but good science always leaves room for interpretation.
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