What is meant by living? Give any four d | Class 11 Biology Chapter The Living World, The Living World NCERT Solutions

The ability of an object which can self- replicate and self- regulate is known as Living. The four defining characteristics are:

1. Growth and development
2. Reproduction
3. Metabolism
4. Consciousness

Growth: This is a permanent and the irreversible change in the size of the cell, organ and the whole organism that is usually accompanied by the increase in dry weight, mass and number of individuals. Growth of living organisms occurs by the cell division, enlargement and its differentiation.

Reproduction: It is a biological process by which new individuals are produced from both their parents (maternal or paternal). Every organism have the characteristic to produce more of its own kind by the process called reproduction.

Metabolism: It is the total of all chemical and biological reactions occurring inside the cells. It is also defined as the exchange of materials and energy within the organisms and between the organism and its environment.

Consciousness (Response and Irritability): Ability of the body to sense to respond to the external or environmental stimuli. And, as an response, the change or reaction which is shown by the organism as a result of applied stimulus is known as response.