Among the following, increase in body mass can be taken as criterion for growth

Options

A. in living organisms
B. in non-living objects
C. both 1 and 2
D. none of the above

Answer

To solve the question regarding the increase in body mass as a criterion for growth, we can break it down step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Growth**:
- Growth can be defined as an increase in size, mass, or volume of an organism or object. It can occur both internally (cellular growth) and externally (overall size increase).

2. **Identifying Living Organisms**:
- In living organisms, growth is typically associated with an increase in body mass. For example, as a human or animal grows, their body mass increases due to cell division and accumulation of tissues.

3. **Identifying Non-Living Objects**:
- Non-living objects can also exhibit growth-like characteristics. For instance, mountains can increase in mass due to the accumulation of sediment and erosion processes. This is a form of growth in a non-biological context.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- a. In living organisms: Yes, an increase in body mass is a clear indicator of growth.
- b. In non-living objects: Yes, non-living objects can also exhibit an increase in mass.
- c. Both 1 and 2: This option suggests that both living organisms and non-living objects can be considered for growth based on mass increase.
- d. None of the above: This option is incorrect as we have established that both living and non-living entities can show growth.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since both living organisms and non-living objects can exhibit an increase in body mass, the correct answer is option C: both 1 and 2.

### Final Answer:
**C. Both 1 and 2**