lorganisme

L'organisme is the French term for "the organism" used in biology to denote a living system that carries the processes essential for life. Organisms can be unicellular, formed by a single cell, or multicellular, composed of many cells organized into tissues and organs. They maintain internal organization, acquire and utilize energy, and interact with their environment through regulated physiological processes.

Core features of organisms include metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and homeostasis. Through these processes, organisms maintain internal stability and adapt to their surroundings. In biological discussions, cells are recognized as the basic units of life in many organisms; however, some entities—such as certain viruses—are debated as to whether they fit the strict definition of an organism because they lack independent metabolism and cellular structure.

Organisms are classified within a hierarchical system based on shared characteristics and ancestry. Current taxonomy recognizes three domains—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—with multicellular lineages such as plants, animals, fungi, and various protists under Eukarya. Beyond classification, the study of organisms encompasses anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution, providing a framework for understanding health, disease, biodiversity, and the functioning of ecosystems.