What is the biological definition for survival?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the biological definition of survival and the requirements for an organism to survive. It explores various perspectives on what constitutes survival and the factors influencing it across different organisms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that survival is simply living rather than dying, suggesting there is no special biological definition.
  • Another participant notes that the requirements for survival vary by organism, highlighting the contrasting needs of humans and plants regarding carbon dioxide.
  • A link to an external thread is provided, which may contain additional thoughts on survival requirements.
  • A participant introduces the idea of distinguishing between the survival of individuals, species, and genes, referencing a definition of "Survival Value" related to an organism's effectiveness in contributing offspring to future generations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether there is a specific biological definition of survival, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and concepts presented may depend on specific biological contexts or interpretations, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

JimmyRay
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What is the biological definition for survival? What does an organism need to survive?
 
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Survival is just living rather than dying. There's no special biological definition.

What is needed to live? It depends on the organism. Too much carbon dioxide will kill a human being, but plants need carbon dioxide.
 
I suppose you could distinguish between the survival of an individual vs. a species...or even for a single gene. My handy dandy biology dictionary has this to offer...

Survival Value - The nature or degree of the effectiveness of a given characteristic in promoting the organism's ability to contribute offspring to the future generation.
 

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