Which characteristic of life distinguishes a fire from a flowering plant?

• A. Ability to grow in size
• B. Ability to reproduce
• C. Ability to release energy
• D. Ability to respond to external stimuli

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the characteristics of life: Living organisms exhibit specific traits such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and metabolize energy. These traits help distinguish living organisms from non-living entities.
2. Analyze the characteristic 'Ability to grow in size': Both a fire and a flowering plant can grow in size. A fire grows by consuming fuel, while a plant grows by cell division and elongation. However, growth alone does not confirm life.
3. Analyze the characteristic 'Ability to release energy': Both a fire and a flowering plant release energy. A fire releases energy through combustion, while a plant releases energy through cellular respiration. This trait is not exclusive to living organisms.
4. Analyze the characteristic 'Ability to respond to external stimuli': Both a fire and a flowering plant can respond to external stimuli. For example, a fire spreads when exposed to more fuel, and a plant may grow toward light (phototropism). This trait alone does not distinguish life.
5. Analyze the characteristic 'Ability to reproduce': A flowering plant can reproduce by producing seeds or through other reproductive mechanisms, which is a definitive characteristic of life. A fire, however, cannot reproduce; it can only spread by consuming more fuel. This is the key distinction between a fire and a living organism like a flowering plant.