Question

Reproduction cannot be an all-inclusive defining characteristic of living organisms. Which of the following is the reason for this?

• A. Lower organisms like yeast reproduce by budding
• B. In unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction mean the same
• C. There are many organisms which do not reproduce
• D. Flatworms reproduce by fragmentation

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Explanation of the correct option:

1. There are many organisms which do not reproduce.
2. ​Organisms such as mules, sterile worker bees, and even infertile human individuals cannot reproduce.
3. Thus, reproduction cannot be an all-inclusive defining characteristic of living organisms.
4. However, no non-living object is capable of reproducing or self-replicating.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A, B and C didnot satisfy the appropriate explanation of the given question.

Final answer: Reproduction cannot be an all-inclusive defining characteristic of living organisms because of many organisms which do not reproduce.