What term describes the material composition of a living thing?

The term that describes the material composition of a living thing is "Organic Matter." This term refers to the complex compounds that are found in living organisms, primarily made up of carbon and are essential for the structure and function of cells. Organic matter includes proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, all of which play critical roles in biological processes.

In the context of assessing living things, understanding that they are composed of organic matter is foundational. This concept underscores not only the physical characteristics of living entities but also their biochemical processes. By identifying the building blocks that comprise organisms, one can begin to understand the intricate interactions that sustain life.

The other options focus on concepts that are more abstract. For instance, innate forces and universal forces refer to principles or energies in physics or holistic philosophies but do not directly denote the material aspect of living organisms. Vital energy, often discussed in alternative medicine, speaks to a life force or energy flow but lacks specificity regarding the actual physical materials that constitute a living being. Thus, organic matter is the precise term that encapsulates the material composition of life forms.