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by waserwill
1920 days ago
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The definition I remember being taught early on includes that, so that's on the right track. From memory:
1. Reproduces itself/making things similar to itself (sort of; viruses are on the periphery, prions...).
2. Metabolizes chemicals for energy
3. to grow, and as a result,
4. produces waste.
5. Reacts to stimuli in the environment.
6. Maintains homeostasis (reacts to stimuli in itself and keeps 1-5 going). I'm probably forgetting some and there are exceptions to all of these. Notably, in interesting cases like at the inception of life, or at the periphery of life: viruses, parasites, potential extraterrestrial chemical systems, and arguably cultural systems. But those criteria are still convenient. |
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