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 regarding the statements about growth in living organisms, we will analyze each statement one by one and determine whether they are true or false.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement A**: "In plants, growth by cell division occurs continuously throughout their lifespan."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. Plants have meristematic tissues that allow them to grow continuously by cell division throughout their life.

2. **Statement B**: "Growth is a defining property of living organisms."
- **Analysis**: This statement is false. While growth is a characteristic of living organisms, it is not exclusive to them. Non-living things can also grow (e.g., mountains accumulating soil). Therefore, this statement does not accurately define living organisms.

3. **Statement C**: "Cell division occurs in certain tissues to replace lost cells."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. In living organisms, cell division is essential for replacing lost or damaged cells, which is a normal part of growth and repair.

4. **Statement D**: "Increase in body mass is considered as growth."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. An increase in body mass is indeed a common criterion used to define growth in living organisms.

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 unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction often occur simultaneously (e.g., bacteria dividing through binary fission). While in higher animals and plants, growth and reproduction are separate processes, the statement incorrectly states that they are mutually exclusive in unicellular organisms.

### Summary of Statements:
- **True Statements**: A, C, D
- **False Statements**: B, E

### Correct Option:
The correct statements are A, C, and D. Therefore, the answer is option C.