Indeed, many of us consider the first question to be "what is life v. non-life/death in nature?". To that end, you might enjoy this thread: Can the Monist view account for 'what is life?'.
On that thread, I offered the only mathematical definition known to me at post 164.
Indeed, Alamo-Girl!
Just looking in on the goings-on here; I'd love to stay and discuss, but must get back to work for now.... :^(
Thank you so much for writing!