you are an astrobiologist (a biologist who studies other planets for signs of life). you have discovered a unique substance which is made up of four metals, organized in a specific and repeatable pattern. when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, this substance becomes bigger and can produce multiple copies of itself. if it is poked with a stick, it moves away from the stick. if the substance is kept in a dish for a while, rust accumulates in the dish.

classify this substance as living or nonliving, justify your answer.

This is a living substance since it can reproduce, forming copies of itself.

Explanation:

Although the substance shown in the question above shows many characteristics that can classify it as a non-living substance, it should be considered a living substance. This is because, as we can see, when exposed to electromagnetic radiation, this substance becomes larger and can produce several copies of itself. Forming copies of itself is a type of reproduction and only living substances can reproduce.

In addition, this substance has the ability to respond to stimuli, which is a characteristic of living substances and can be observed when the substance moves away from the stick.