Characteristics of living organisms: Practice Questions

Which characteristic of living organisms is defined as the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment?

A green plant absorbs mineral ions and water from the soil to synthesise organic compounds, and over time undergoes a permanent increase in dry mass.

Which two characteristics of living organisms are demonstrated?

A healthy green plant is kept in a completely dark room for 48 hours. During this period, it must utilize its stored starch for survival. Which row correctly describes the change in the plant's dry mass and the characteristic of life responsible for releasing energy during this time?

Which term describes the removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements from a living organism?

During metabolism, carbon dioxide is produced inside animal cells and then removed from the body.

Which two characteristics of living organisms are directly involved in producing and removing this carbon dioxide?

Identify the characteristic of living organisms that involves the release of energy for metabolism through chemical reactions in cells.

A student observes a seedling getting taller over several weeks and notes that its dry mass has increased.

Identify the specific characteristic of life being observed and state the two ways cell changes can contribute to this process as per the syllabus definition.

A microscopic object found in a deep-sea vent is observed to increase in size and produce identical copies of itself, yet it lacks the ability to carry out chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules to release energy for metabolism. Explain, with reference to a specific characteristic of living organisms, why this object is not considered alive.

Living organisms are distinguished from non-living things by seven fundamental characteristics.

(a) Distinguish between the characteristics of excretion and egestion, clearly stating the source of the waste material for each process.
(b) Define growth as a characteristic of life.
(c) A plant is placed on a windowsill and slowly turns its leaves toward the sunlight. Identify which characteristic of living organisms is being demonstrated by this response.

Living organisms must process energy and matter to stay alive.
(a) Define respiration.
(b) Define nutrition and list the three specific purposes for which an organism takes in materials as stated in the definition.
(c) Identify the characteristic of life defined as a permanent increase in size and dry mass, and distinguish it from a temporary increase in size.