Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an organism?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an organism?

• A. Ability to reproduce
• B. Ability to respond to stimuli
• C. Composed of complex tissue structures
• D. Inability to grow

Answer: (D)

Inability to grow is not a characteristic of an organism because all living organisms must have the capacity to grow and develop. Growth can encompass various forms, such as increasing in size or undergoing cellular division. An inability to grow contradicts the very definition of life; all organisms, whether they are unicellular or multicellular, exhibit some form of growth throughout their life cycle. On the other hand, the ability to reproduce is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms, as it allows for the continuation of a species. Ability to respond to stimuli is crucial for survival, as it enables an organism to react to changes in its environment. Composed of complex tissue structures is characteristic of multicellular organisms, highlighting their organization and specialization. These features collectively define the biological nature of living entities, while the inability to grow does not align with these recognized characteristics.

Inability to grow is not a characteristic of an organism because all living organisms must have the capacity to grow and develop. Growth can encompass various forms, such as increasing in size or undergoing cellular division. An inability to grow contradicts the very definition of life; all organisms, whether they are unicellular or multicellular, exhibit some form of growth throughout their life cycle.

On the other hand, the ability to reproduce is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms, as it allows for the continuation of a species. Ability to respond to stimuli is crucial for survival, as it enables an organism to react to changes in its environment. Composed of complex tissue structures is characteristic of multicellular organisms, highlighting their organization and specialization. These features collectively define the biological nature of living entities, while the inability to grow does not align with these recognized characteristics.