Question

2. Consider that quartz crystals have the ability to "grow" new crystal faces over time in the presence of solutions, "reproducing" new crystals off the parent pattern. Quartz also "responds" to light by generating a current. Since growth, reproduction and response are properties of life, why do we not consider quartz to be "alive"?

Answer 1

does not meet the requirements of something that is "alive"

Step-by-step explanation:

In order for something to be considered or clasified as "alive", they would need to have each and every one of the 8 characteristics of being alive. Missing one would ultimately not classify it as being "alive" in accordance to the very definition of that word. These 8 characteristics are the following.

• cellular organization
• reproduction
• metabolism
• homeostasis
• heredity
• response to stimuli
• growth and development
• adaptation through evolution.

Of these 8 characteristics, Quartz crystals only exhibit response to stimuli, growth and development, and reproduction, but does not exhibit the rest of the characteristics and is therefore not classified as "alive"