[Dimensio]

How do you define life, used in the context of yoiur statement above, from non-life?

There is no single set of criteria, though a common definition is an entity that can grow, metabolize, respond to stimuli and reproduce. Of those characteristics, reproduction is the most vital for evolution; evolution cannot occur without reproduction.

[js1138]

There is no single set of criteria, though a common definition is an entity that can grow, metabolize, respond to stimuli and reproduce. Of those characteristics, reproduction is the most vital for evolution; evolution cannot occur without reproduction.

I've been down this road with AndrewC. It's a dead end. the objective here is to lead you into a box and shut the door.

[tallhappy]

There is no single set of criteria

OK. There we go.

The distinctions you are making are understandable and generally known, they are pragmatic and practical but artificial and done for the facilitation of discussion and presentation.

Evolution comes from the root to roll or unroll. Evolution is a continuum and is studying how life as it exists now unrolled. This goes all the way to its initial origin.