Defining life is a complex challenge, as there is no single, universally agreed-upon definition. However, life is generally characterized by a set of attributes that distinguish living organisms from non-living matter. Here are some key characteristics commonly associated with life:

• Organization: Living things exhibit a high degree of organization, from the molecular level (e.g., cells) to the organismal level (e.g., tissues, organs, systems).
• Metabolism: Life involves chemical processes that convert energy and matter from the environment into forms usable for life, including anabolism (building molecules) and catabolism (breaking down molecules).
• Growth: Living organisms increase in size or complexity over time.
• Adaptation: Living organisms can change over time in response to their environment via evolution.
• Response to Stimuli: Living things react to changes in their environment (e.g., light, temperature, chemicals).
• Reproduction: Living organisms create new individuals, passing on genetic information from one generation to the next.
• Homeostasis: Life maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Different scientific disciplines may emphasize certain aspects of these characteristics when defining life for their specific purposes. For example, in biology, the focus might be on cellular organization and genetic information, while in astrobiology, the emphasis could be on the potential for life to exist in diverse environments.