Question

What are the key features of life? Select all that apply. Organisms acquire energy and nutrients through consumption of other organisms. Organisms sense and respond to changes in their environment. Organisms are composed of one or more cells. Life is sustained by inputs of energy and nutrients. Genetic information in the form of DNA is passed to offspring.

Answer 1

Life is characterized by several key features, such as the need for energy, cellular composition, environmental response, growth, reproduction, and stable internal conditions. These characteristics are fundamental in defining living organisms. Energy can come from various sources, environmental response varies in complexity, and maintaining homeostasis is essential for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key features of life include the following: Organisms acquire energy and nutrients through various means, organisms sense and respond to changes in their environment, they are composed of one or more cells, life is sustained by inputs of energy and nutrients, and genetic information in the form of DNA is passed on to offspring.

All living organisms exhibit several key characteristics which help to define what life is. These include the necessity for energy to perform life processes, the cellular composition, the ability to respond to environmental stimuli, capabilities for growth and reproduction, and maintaining a stable internal condition, known as homeostasis. For instance, organisms like plants derive energy from sunlight through photosynthesis, while animals consume other organisms. Sensitivity to the environment can be as simple as sunflowers turning towards the sun or as complex as the human behavioral response to social cues. Growth and reproduction are evident in the life cycle of all organisms and are crucial for species continuation. Lastly, homeostasis keeps internal conditions within ranges suitable for life despite external fluctuations. Together, these aspects form a foundation for understanding biological life.

Answer 2

Organisms sense and respond to changes in their environment.

Organisms are composed of one or more cells.

Life is sustained by inputs of energy and nutrients.

Genetic information in the form of DNA is passed to offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

Not all organisms acquire energy by consuming other organisms. Most green plants, for example, are able to produce their own food by photosynthesis.

Organisms are able to sense and respond to changes in their environment. Without these, survival would be limited. Plants are able to sense and respond to light, water, gravity, etc. while animals are able to sense dangers and run away from them.

According to the cell theory, all living organisms are made up of cells. The simplest organism must contain, at least, a cell, while more complex organisms are made up of several cells.

Life is generally sustained by the input of energy from the sun and that of nutrients from reservoirs such as soil. Plants are able to manufacture their foods by using the energy from the sun and other animals either depend directly or indirectly on plants for their own energy. Important nutrients are cycled from their reservoirs to living organisms and vice versa.

Genetic information in the form of DNA is passed from one generation to another during reproduction. Reproduction is an important attribute of living organisms and it remains the only way life is sustained on the planet.