Which of the following is NOT one of the requirements for life?

In the context of the characteristics that define living organisms, the correct choice highlights an aspect that is not essential for life. Homeostasis, reproduction, and metabolism are all fundamental requirements for life.

Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain internal stability despite external changes, which is crucial for survival. Reproduction is necessary for the continuation of a species, allowing for genetic material to be passed on to the next generation. Metabolism encompasses all biochemical processes that occur within an organism to convert food into energy, which is vital for growth and maintenance.

In contrast, inertia is a term that pertains to the resistance of an object to any change in its motion, which is not a defining characteristic of living systems. Living organisms can exhibit movement and responsiveness that can change, hence the concept of inertia does not apply as a requirement for life. This conceptual distinction underscores why inertia does not belong alongside the other three critical characteristics of life.