Comparative morphology

compares the embryo development of organisms of different species

compares the anatomy of organisms of different species

organizes fossils into a timeline of organism evolution

analyses the similarities and differences between organisms of the same species

those characteristics are cellular organization, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, response to stimuli, growth and development, and adaptation through evolution. some things, such as a virus, demonstrate only a few of these characteristics and are, therefore, not alive