Whether or not viruses are alive is frequently debated. name one characteristic of viruses that make them similar to other living organisms.

Viruses can reproduce inside the host cells.  

Explanation:

Viruses do not exhibit many features that are vital for a living being. However, they also exhibit some features that are shown exclusively by living things only. The ability to give rise to their own types is called reproduction. It is exhibited by living things only. Like living beings, viruses replicate and produce their new progeny of viral particles inside the host organisms. The ability to reproduce makes viruses similar to living beings.

the answer is:

carbon dioxide