Invertebrates, plants, and vertebrates all share certain common characteristics despite their biological differences:
1. Cellular Organization: They are all multicellular organisms, composed of specialized cells organized into tissues, organs, and systems (in the case of animals).
2. Metabolism: They all undergo metabolic processes to obtain energy and nutrients for growth, reproduction, and maintenance of bodily functions.
3. Response to Stimuli: They are capable of responding to external stimuli from their environment, although the nature of these responses can vary widely between the groups.
4. Reproduction: They all reproduce, though the methods (sexual or asexual) and processes (pollination, fertilization, etc.) can differ significantly between plants and animals.
5. Homeostasis: They maintain internal stability and balance (homeostasis) through various physiological processes.
While these groups differ in many respects—such as mobility, structure, and reproductive strategies—these fundamental characteristics unite them as living organisms within the broader classification of life on Earth.
