Final answer:
The unique characteristic that only living organisms have is that they are composed of cells. Non-living systems may demonstrate some properties such as movement, energy utilization, or consist of atoms, but only living organisms are made up of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question, 'Living organisms and non-living systems have numerous characteristics in common, but only organisms -', can be answered by identifying which characteristic is unique to living organisms. The options provided are: A) have the ability to move, B) are composed of cells, C) have the ability to self-replicate, D) have the ability to utilize energy, and E) are composed of atoms. While A, D, and E are characteristics that can also be associated with non-living systems, option B is the characteristic that is unique to living organisms.
All living organisms, from the simplest single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans, are composed of one or more cells. This is based on the universally accepted Cell Theory which provides that all living things are made up of cells and that cells are the basic unit of structure and function in all organisms. Cells are alive, and they are the basic living units of organization in all organisms. Furthermore, all cells come from other cells, indicating the process of cellular reproduction which is essential for the continuation of life.