What is the process by which all living things grow and develop throughout their life?

The process by which all living things grow and develop throughout their life is fundamentally encompassed in the term “growth and development.” This concept refers to the biological changes that occur as an organism matures, from the cellular level to the organismal level. It includes not only the increase in size (growth) but also the processes involved in differentiation and maturation of various tissues and organs. This term captures the continuous and ongoing nature of change throughout an organism's lifespan, which is essential for adaptation, reproduction, and overall functioning.

In contrast, cell division and mitosis are specific processes related to the means through which cells replicate and divide, contributing to growth but not fully encapsulating the holistic concept of growth and development. Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes, which is crucial for health and survival but does not directly describe the overall process of growth and development itself. Thus, the answer that best represents the broad and encompassing nature of growth and development in living organisms is indeed “growth and development.”