Which of the following is NOT a basic characteristic for animal identification?

Weight is not considered a basic characteristic for animal identification because it can vary significantly among individuals of the same species and can change over time due to factors such as age, diet, and health. Distinct markings, sounds, and movement are more reliable identifiers as they are often unique to an individual or species and do not fluctuate as much as weight. Distinct markings like stripes or spots can easily help in recognizing specific animals, while sounds can indicate certain species or individual behavioral traits. Similarly, movement patterns can also provide clues about an animal's identity or species characteristics. These factors are more consistent and observable than weight, making them more suitable for identification purposes.