Characteristics and Processes of Life

What is Biology? Biology is known as the study of life. It is a branch of science that studies all living things from single celled organisms to very complex multicellular organisms like humans.

Characteristics and Processes of Life Characteristics of life help us to distinguish between living and non-living things. All living things are made up of cells and carry out one or more of the following processes.

Reproduction When an organism produces new organisms like themselves. There are 2 types of reproduction, sexual (involves 2 parents) and asexual (one parent only).

Nutrition This process involves a living thing obtaining and using food. Some living things make their own food and are known as producers Some living things eat others and are known as consumers.

Respond to Environment When an organism reacts to changes in their surroundings. For example, here you see a plant leaning towards the light of the sun.

Consists of Cells All living things are composed of cells which are the smallest unit of life. Some living things are made up of only one cell and are called unicellular organisms. Some are made of more than one cell and are multicellular.

Respiration Respiration is a process that involves releasing energy stored in food. For example, humans perform cellular respiration by which we release the energy found in simple sugars.

Adaptation organisms adapt when it is fitted to live in a particular environment. For example, these bugs are able to blend into their environment.

Intake of Materials This process involves an organism taking in food, gases or other materials needed for life. For example, this panda is eating bamboo as a food source.

Growth Organisms all increase in size and go through a life cycle. For example, human life cycles start as an egg and end as a mature adult.

Movement Many organisms are able to change position, location or orientation. For example, humans can walk or run from one place to another.

Excretion Excretion is the process by which organisms release waste materials. For example, humans excrete carbon dioxide when they exhale.

Synthesis or Secretion When an organism manufactures needed substances. For example, the cells in our body can produce hormones we need to control certain things that happen in our bodies.

Regulation This life process allows an organism to control body processes as circumstances change. For example, you will sweat on a hot day to try to regulate your body temperature.