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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of living organisms?
A
Ability to rust in the presence of oxygen
B
Presence of an endoskeleton
C
Formation of crystals
D
Ability to respond to stimuli
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of 'characteristics of living organisms.' Living organisms exhibit specific traits that distinguish them from non-living entities. These include growth, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, response to stimuli, and adaptation.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The ability to rust in the presence of oxygen is a chemical property of metals, not a biological characteristic. Formation of crystals is a physical property of certain substances, and the presence of an endoskeleton is specific to certain animals but not universal to all living organisms.
Step 3: Focus on the correct answer, 'Ability to respond to stimuli.' This is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms. It refers to the ability of an organism to detect and react to changes in its environment, such as light, temperature, or touch.
Step 4: Relate this concept to examples in biology. For instance, plants respond to light by growing toward it (phototropism), and animals respond to external stimuli like sound or danger by moving or reacting accordingly.
Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing that the ability to respond to stimuli is a universal trait of living organisms, distinguishing them from non-living matter, which does not exhibit such responsiveness.