A scientist believes that she has found a new life form. Which of the following conditions is not considered essential in determining whether the putative new life form is alive?

a. The creature possesses purposeful anatomical structures that differ from one another. b. The creature's body is bilaterally symmetrical. c. The creature seems to react to being touched.

Option (b).

Explanation:

The new life form should show the new characteristics that has not been earlier shown by the other life forms. The newly discovered life form should also shows the characteristics that are shown by the living organism.

The putative life form should show different anatomical structure or different way to react towards a stimulus. The bilateral symmetry can not be considered as a new life form because may animals are bilaterally symmetrical and this is not a new characteristic.

Thus, the correct answer is option (b).