Final answer:
Living organisms grow and develop by creating specialized cells that form complex structures such as tissues, organs, and organ systems, enabling them to perform essential functions for life. Reproduction is a key aspect of the growth and survival of species, occurring either asexually or sexually.
Step-by-step explanation:
Living organisms grow and develop by making more cells that are specialized to do various functions. Multicellular organisms, consisting of millions of individual cells, have an advantage in that their cells can be specialized to perform specific functions. Specialized cells come together to form tissues, and these tissues organize into organs and organ systems, each with its own function. For example, the circulatory system brings nutrients and removes waste, while the respiratory system provides oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
Additionally, in the process of growth and development, organisms reproduce to ensure the continuation of the species. Reproduction can be asexual, producing identical offspring, or sexual, combining genetic information to produce genetically unique offspring. All of these processes allow organisms to maintain highly organized structures and perform complex functions necessary for life.