Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

Photosynthesis is not a universal characteristic of all living organisms. While many organisms, particularly plants and some bacteria, utilize photosynthesis as a method of producing energy, it is not applicable to all forms of life. For instance, animals, fungi, and many types of microorganisms do not perform photosynthesis and rely on other processes, like respiration, to generate energy. In contrast, metabolism, reproduction, and response to stimuli are fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms. Metabolism encompasses all chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life, reproduction is essential for the continuation of species, and the ability to respond to stimuli is crucial for survival and adaptation in various environments.