Definition
An organism is any individual living entity that can grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis. It can be as simple as a single-celled bacterium or as complex as a multicellular human being. Organisms encompass a wide range of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria and archaea.
Etymology and Origin
The term organism derives from the Greek word organon, meaning “instrument” or “tool”. It was adopted into scientific language to describe a living being as a complex system of parts that function together in an organized manner, similar to how instruments work together in an orchestra. The use of “organism” in this context began in the 17th century, reflecting the growing understanding of living beings as entities that are more than just the sum of their parts, capable of growth, reproduction, and self-regulation.
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