Characteristics of Living Things Ms. Rizzacasa

Characteristics of Living Things 1 of 7 Living things are organized – Specialized parts for specific functions – Made of cells; orderly structures

Characteristics of Living Things 2of 7 Need outside source of nutrients for energy

Characteristics of Living Things 3 of 7 Homeostatic – Internal environment remains relatively constant

Characteristics of Living Things 4 of 7 Respond to stimuli (short-term change) – Stimulus: Any condition that requires an organism to adjust. – Response: Reaction to a stimulus

Characteristics of Living Things 5 of 7 Reproduce

Characteristics of Living Things 6 of 7 Grow & develop

Characteristics of Living Things 7 of 7 Adapt Adaptation: Any structure, behavior or internal process that allows/enables an organism to respond to stimuli. Ex: nocturnal animals – large eyes Arctic animals- thick fur; fat layer

Summary Living things are organized Need outside source of nutrients for energy Homeostatic Respond to stimuli (short-term change) Reproduce Grow & develop Adapt (Long-term change)