Final answer:
This description applies to reproduction, which is one of the key characteristics that define life, ensuring species survival and adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of life that the description applies to is reproduction. All living organisms share several key characteristics, and reproduction is one of the primary functions that define life. Organisms have reproductive strategies that align with their nutritional requirements and the type of habitat they inhabit. This ensures the survival and continuation of their species. Reproduction can be seen in various forms, such as asexual or sexual reproduction, but the key aspect is that it allows for the transfer of genetic material to the next generation, thereby ensuring the resilience and adaptation of a species over time.