Alive May 2026

In science, "alive" refers to organisms that perform specific vital functions. While there is no single perfect definition, biologists generally agree on seven key characteristics that distinguish living things from non-living matter:

: Life requires energy to function. Organisms either produce their own food (like plants) or consume others to fuel biological processes. In science, "alive" refers to organisms that perform

: The ability to maintain a stable internal environment (like body temperature) despite changes in the outside world. In science, "alive" refers to organisms that perform

: All living things are composed of one or more cells, which contain DNA and organized structures. In science, "alive" refers to organisms that perform

: Organisms react to their environment, such as a plant growing toward light or an animal fleeing from a loud noise.