Levenskenmerken

Levenskenmerken, a Dutch term, translates to "characteristics of life." It refers to the fundamental properties that distinguish living organisms from non-living matter. While there isn't a single, universally agreed-upon list, several key characteristics are commonly cited in biology. These include organization, metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, adaptation, and homeostasis.

Organization implies that living things are structurally complex, often at multiple levels, from cells to tissues, organs, and organ systems. Metabolism encompasses all the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life, such as converting food into energy. Growth involves an increase in size or number of cells, leading to development. Reproduction is the ability to produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of a species. Response to stimuli means that living organisms can detect and react to changes in their environment. Adaptation refers to traits that help an organism survive and reproduce in its specific environment, evolving over generations. Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, despite external fluctuations. These characteristics, taken together, provide a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be alive.