Amoeba is considered a living thing because it exhibits all the characteristics of life. These characteristics include the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, and carry out metabolism.
Growth: Amoebas grow by increasing their cell size and mass. They take in nutrients from their environment, which allows them to grow and develop.
Reproduction: Amoebas reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission. In this process, the amoeba’s nucleus divides, and the cell splits into two identical daughter cells.
Response to Stimuli: Amoebas can respond to their environment. They can move towards food sources (a process called chemotaxis) and away from harmful substances.
Homeostasis: Amoebas maintain a stable internal environment. They regulate their internal conditions, such as water balance, to survive in different environments.
Metabolism: Amoebas carry out metabolic processes to obtain energy. They digest food particles in their food vacuoles and convert the nutrients into energy through cellular respiration.
These characteristics collectively confirm that amoebas are indeed living organisms.