A virus is not an organism for several reasons. Below are what scientists have concluded ALL living organisms must have/be able to do.
Living things are made of (a) cell(s).
Living things obtain and use energy.
Living things grow and develop.
Living things reproduce.
Living things respond to their environment.
Living things adapt to their environment.
Viruses are not made of cells, although they do "hi-jack" them, so we already know that it cannot be living. Trees, humans, and bacteria all meet all of the criteria to be an organism, leaving only viruses.
