Lightning, it works on home-made creatures and robots.

and jason .....

As long as you follow the Feldman Procedure.

Sentience - Sense of self-awareness - The ablity to think logically and rationalize

I believe this is what separates humans from plants, animals and other cellular-based life forms

Some would argue that it has much to do with emotions...But, animals also feel fear, loneliness, and some form of love

That's the best I've got

some scientific proof exists that plants - if not sentient - are able to communicate with each other - over long distances even.

either i saw a science program or a movie - or both (my memory is really faded on this) where someone was able to record the 'energy screams' of plants being cut down

not sure what i believe about this.

Hmm..I wonder what they would need to communicate to each other...

"Oh My God, Here comes the lawnmower...GET DOWN!"

:D

It's a combination of so many things, from being able to feel remorse to the ability to question things around you. I'm sure no Pine ever wondered what purpouse it served.

ok - i admit - that was funny :)

Movement Reproduction Sensitivity Nutrition Exertion Respiration Growth - That is to be alive.

But as Rayne said, Sentience is where it's at!

Life = Containing reproducible hereditary information.