We just reviewed a list of eight characteristics of life. do any of
these characteristics apply to the viruses that cause the common
cold? would you describe viruses as "living organisms"? why or why
not?

Viruses are not living. They do not become alive until they attach to a cell. Viruses don't grow, and they can't make their own energy. Even though they replicate and adapt to their environment, without cells, viruses would not be able to multiply. Therefore viruses could not be classified as living.