OlympIQ
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Identify the Defining Properties of Life

Growth and response to stimuli are common entry points for deciding what counts as living.

NSEJS · The Living World & Biological Classification · 3 linked questions · 100% coverage
Know this first

What Is Living? is the central idea in this question pattern. Identify the condition in the stem before applying the method below.

Study deeper: NCERT Science · The Living World & Biological Classification

Growth has two measures

Growth involves increase in mass and increase in number of individuals or cells. In unicellular organisms, cell division can serve both growth of the lineage and reproduction.

Consciousness is a defining property

Living organisms sense and respond to their surroundings. This responsiveness is not limited to humans or complex animals; it is a defining property of living systems.

OlympIQ exam lens

  • ✓Growth: increase in mass and number.
  • ✓Unicellular division can be both growth and reproduction.
  • ✓Response to stimuli is a defining living property.
OlympIQ trap

Do not restrict consciousness/response to complex animals.

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