The basic standards or Characteristics of life are, cellular organization: so the organism has to be made up of cells. Reproduction: Sexual or Asexual depending on the organism. Homeostasis: so maintaining a stable internal environment whether it be pH balance or temperature it varies between organisms. Genetics: RNA or DNA. Metabolism or just making sure all of the chemical processes that are needed by organism happen. Evolution: So the organism needs to evolve and adapt over generations and response to stimuli: so an organism needs to be able to respond to the things around it.