What characteristic is true for all living things?

The characteristic that applies to all living things is that they maintain an internal environment that is different from their external surroundings, a process known as homeostasis. Living organisms regulate their internal conditions such as temperature, pH, and osmotic balance to sustain life despite changes in the external environment. This ability is crucial for their survival and functionality, allowing them to thrive in various habitats.

In contrast, not responding to stimuli can be observed in some organisms, especially in their dormant states, but it does not apply universally across all living things. A simple structure is not accurate for all organisms; many complex multicellular organisms exist. Lastly, all living things do grow and develop at some point in their life cycles, whether through cellular division or differentiation, making the idea that they do not grow and develop incorrect.