Which attribute best describes the increase in living material by organisms?

The attribute that best describes the increase in living material by organisms is growth. Growth refers specifically to the process by which organisms increase in size and mass through the accumulation of new cells and the expansion of existing ones. This can include cell division, differentiation, and the synthesis of new cellular components.

In the context of biology, growth is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms, indicating that they are not static entities but dynamic systems that change over time. This contrasts with metabolism, which encompasses all chemical reactions within an organism, including those that break down substances to produce energy, and reproduction, which refers to the process of producing new individuals. Stasis, on the other hand, implies a state of stability or equilibrium, which does not reflect the dynamic nature of living growth. Therefore, growth is the most accurate descriptor of the increase in living material in organisms.