- #1
Alexander
Usually biologists use the following criterium to distinguish between live and non-live matter: ability to self-reproduce.
Now, viruses are not capable of self reproduction without external help. Thus, they are not life yet?
On the other hand, if to broaden the biological definition of life from self-replication to replication in general, then computers or cars are alive too - because they too are capable of replicating (although with external help - like viruses).
Or shall we say that cars and viruses are sort of 30% life and 70% not life?
Now, viruses are not capable of self reproduction without external help. Thus, they are not life yet?
On the other hand, if to broaden the biological definition of life from self-replication to replication in general, then computers or cars are alive too - because they too are capable of replicating (although with external help - like viruses).
Or shall we say that cars and viruses are sort of 30% life and 70% not life?
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