read the following statements w.r.t. growth in living organisms. (a).In plants growth by cell division occurs continuously throughout their lifespan. (b) growth is a defining property of living organism. (c) cell division occurs in certain tissues to replace lost cells. (d) increase in body mass is considered as growth. (e) in majority of higher animals and plants and in unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction are mutually exclusive events. select the correct option.

Options

A. (a), (b) (c) & (d)
B. (a) (c) (d) & (e)
C. (a), (c) & (d)
D. (b) & (c) only

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze each statement regarding growth in living organisms and determine their correctness.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement (a)**: "In plants, growth by cell division occurs continuously throughout their lifespan."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. In plants, particularly in meristematic tissues, cell division occurs continuously, allowing for growth throughout their life.

2. **Statement (b)**: "Growth is a defining property of living organisms."
- **Analysis**: This statement is also true. Growth is indeed one of the key characteristics that define living organisms, along with reproduction and metabolism.

3. **Statement (c)**: "Cell division occurs in certain tissues to replace lost cells."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true as well. Cell division is essential for the replacement of damaged or lost cells in various tissues.

4. **Statement (d)**: "Increase in body mass is considered as growth."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. An increase in body mass typically indicates that cell division and growth are occurring, leading to a larger organism.

5. **Statement (e)**: "In the majority of higher animals and plants and in unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction are mutually exclusive events."
- **Analysis**: This statement is false. In many organisms, growth and reproduction can occur simultaneously, and they are not mutually exclusive.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, statements (a), (b), (c), and (d) are correct, while statement (e) is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is:

**Correct Option: 1 (Statements a, b, c, and d are true)**

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