By definition, a living organism possesses all of the characteristics of life, yet in some respects, biologists are still pondering and defining what life is? Here, we will use a not-too-scientific activity to better understand the characteristics of life. Please consider the following and participate fully. There are many objects that seemingly possess one or more of the characteristics of life, but are not seriously considered to be "alive" by most people (nor by biologists).
1) To play with this concept a "bit", please name a common object or substance that "seems" to "reproduce" - BUT IS NOT LIVING.
2) Name a common object or material that seems to show "growth" - but is not living.
3) Name a common object or material that seems to have "metabolism" - but is not living. In this case, you can name anything in which chemical reactions occur; however, keep in mind that metabolism is by definition chemical reactions that occur within living organisms.
4) Name a common object or material that shows "respond to stimuli" - but is not living.
and:
5) Name a common object or material that seems to "mutate" - but is not living. You may include here any object that changes form or function, but keep in mind that true mutation involves nucleic acids.
This is hard, but here I go:
1. The only thing I can think of that can seem to reproduce, but isn't living is music. We can burn cd's to create more than one of them.
2. Clothes seem to grow or shrink when you wash them or wear them.
3. Maybe when you mix vinegar and baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction but the compound is not living.
4. Iron responds to magnetics, but is not living.
5. When you put clothes or some kind of clothe in water it expands and changes it form some what.
Well that's pretty much all I could think of. If there are any that you thought then feel free to post.
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