Which of the following best describes a characteristic shared by all living organisms?

• A. They can photosynthesize to produce energy.
• B. They possess a backbone for structural support.
• C. They reproduce only through sexual reproduction.
• D. They are composed of one or more cells.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem asks for a characteristic shared by all living organisms. This requires identifying a universal trait that applies to all forms of life, regardless of their complexity or specific adaptations.
2. Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze each choice to determine if it applies universally to all living organisms. For example, photosynthesis is specific to certain organisms like plants and some bacteria, not all living organisms. Similarly, possessing a backbone is exclusive to vertebrates, and sexual reproduction is not the sole method of reproduction for all organisms (e.g., asexual reproduction exists).
3. Focus on the correct option: The statement 'They are composed of one or more cells' is universally true for all living organisms. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life, and all living organisms are either unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular (composed of many cells).
4. Explain the concept of cells: Cells are the smallest units of life that can perform all necessary functions of living organisms, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This characteristic is shared by all living organisms, from bacteria to humans.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is 'They are composed of one or more cells,' as this is the only characteristic that applies universally to all living organisms.