Characteristics of Living Things

Biology Biology is the study of life, so we are only interested in things that are living. It sounds silly, but we must define what characteristics are needed to determine if something is living or nonliving Living things must contain ALL of the characteristics, if they are missing one or more, they are considered nonliving

Living things must maintain a… 1)Homeostasis-maintain a balance; equilibrium; stable internal conditions

Living things must have … 2. Organization-in order to carry out activities of life, cell-tissue-organ-organ system-organism- population-community-ecosystem-biome- biosphere

Living things must be have a… 3) Metabolism-building up or breaking down of molecules (chemical changes) sum of all chemical reactions to maintain life

Living things must be made of… 4) Cells-smallest unit of life. All living things are made of cells.

Living things must… 5)Reproduce-Sexual from two parents (variety) asexual from one parent (same)

Living things must… 6) Adapt-their environment and develop adaptations. to Any characteristic(structure, function, behavior) that increases the chance for survival. It must be encoded in the DNA.

Living things must… 7) Grow-to increase in size and or number.

Living things must have… 8)Energy-use, conserve, transform energy; examples solar, chemical, cellular (ATP)

Living things must have… 9) Genetic material-DNA/RNA

Living things must… 10) Respond-reacting to internal or external signals from the environment.

Living things must…. 11) Develop: all develop, some have a dramatic change in form

Living or non-living?

Levels of Organizaion

Remember: In order for something to be considered living, it must exhibit all of the characteristics. Now, discuss with your partner whether or not you think that zombies are living things