Final answer:
Life on Earth is distinguished by attributes such as extracting energy from the environment, information storage and replication systems, and organization and complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Life on Earth is distinguished by several attributes that set it apart from other components of the Earth system such as minerals, water, or light. One of the key attributes of life is the ability to extract energy from the environment.
Living organisms, unlike minerals, can obtain and use energy to grow, reproduce, and carry out various activities. Another attribute is the presence of information storage and replication systems, such as DNA, that allow for the transmission of genetic traits from one generation to the next.
Finally, life exhibits organization and complexity, with highly structured cells and intricate biological processes. In contrast, minerals and water do not possess these characteristics.