All living things contain a vital force that gives them the characteristics of life.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Concept of Vital Force**:
- The question states that all living things contain a "vital force" that gives them the characteristics of life. This vital force can be understood as the essence or intrinsic quality that differentiates living organisms from non-living entities.

2. **Characteristics of Life**:
- Living organisms exhibit certain characteristics that define them. These include:
- **Growth**: Living organisms grow in size, typically through intrinsic growth processes.
- **Reproduction**: They have the ability to reproduce, ensuring the continuation of their species.
- **Metabolism**: This includes processes such as respiration and digestion, which are essential for energy production and nutrient absorption.
- **Locomotion**: Many living organisms can move or exhibit some form of locomotion.
- **Homeostasis**: They maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
- **Consciousness**: Some organisms show awareness and responsiveness to their environment.

3. **Comparison with Non-Living Things**:
- Non-living things also consist of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. However, they do not exhibit the characteristics of life.
- While both living and non-living things share some fundamental elements, the presence of the vital force is what enables living organisms to perform life processes.

4. **Scientific Perspectives**:
- Historical scientific experiments, such as the Urey and Miller experiment, have explored the origins of life from non-living matter. These experiments suggest that under certain conditions, organic compounds can form from inorganic substances, hinting at a connection between living and non-living entities.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Yes, all living things contain a vital force that is responsible for the characteristics of life. This vital force is essential for growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other life processes, distinguishing living organisms from non-living matter.