Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

The ability to move is not considered a universal characteristic of living organisms because not all living things possess this trait. For instance, plants do not move from place to place in the same way animals do. They may exhibit movement through growth towards light (phototropism) or water (hydrotropism), but they remain rooted to one spot and do not have the capacity for voluntary movement.

In contrast, growth and development, the ability to reproduce, and response to stimuli are fundamental aspects that define living organisms. Growth and development refer to the processes by which organisms increase in size and mature over time. The ability to reproduce is essential for the continuation of a species, whether through asexual or sexual means. Lastly, all living organisms respond to stimuli in their environment, which is crucial for survival. These responses can be simple reflexes or complex behaviors depending on the organism. Thus, the option indicating the ability to move does not encapsulate a necessity shared by all life forms.