Which of the following is not a defining characteristic of living organisms?

Options

A. Growth
B. Ability to make sound
C. Reproduction
D. All of these

Answer

To determine which of the following is not a defining characteristic of living organisms, we need to analyze each option provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Growth**:
- Growth is typically defined as an increase in size and mass.
- However, this characteristic is not exclusive to living organisms. Non-living entities, like mountains, can also grow through processes such as the accumulation of snow.
- Therefore, growth is not a defining characteristic of living organisms.

2. **Ability to Make Sound**:
- The ability to make sound is not a unique feature of living organisms.
- Non-living objects, such as radios or musical instruments, can produce sound as well.
- Hence, this characteristic is also not a defining property of living organisms.

3. **Reproduction**:
- Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce offspring.
- However, not all living organisms reproduce in the traditional sense. For example, some unicellular organisms may increase their numbers through cell division rather than reproduction.
- Additionally, certain hybrids, like mules, are sterile and cannot reproduce.
- Thus, reproduction cannot be considered a definitive characteristic of all living organisms.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since growth, the ability to make sound, and reproduction do not exclusively define living organisms, all of these options are not defining characteristics of living organisms.

### Final Answer:
All of the options provided (growth, ability to make sound, and reproduction) are not defining characteristics of living organisms.

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