Question

Which of the following features can be said to be a true defining feature of living beings without any exception?

• A. They can digest their food.
• B. All of them can reproduce.
• C. They can regenerate.
• D. They can respond to external stimuli.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

They can respond to external stimuli.

All organisms, from the prokaryotes to the most complex eukaryotes can sense and respond to the environmental cue.

Plants can respond to various factors such as light, water, etc. e.g., photoperiodism.

They respond to any changes in the environment, thus they become aware of the environment i.e., self-consciousness which becomes the defining property of living things.

Thus the correct answer is option D.