Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall 1-3 Studying Life Page 13 Photo Credit: © Andrew Syred/Science Photo Library/Photo Researchers, Inc. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Characteristics of Living Things What are some characteristics of living things? Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Characteristics of Living Things Living things share the following 8 characteristics: made up of units called cells reproduce based on a universal genetic code (DNA) grow and develop get and use materials and energy (metabolism) respond to their environment (stimulus) maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis) change over time (evolve) Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall BIG IDEAS in Biology All parts of biology are tied together by these 10 BIG IDEAS! Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Big Ideas in Biology 1. Cellular Basis of Life Organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the smallest units that can be considered fully alive. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Big Ideas in Biology 2. Information and Heredity Genetic code is common, with minor variations, to every organism on Earth. That information, carried in DNA, is copied and passed from parents to offspring. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Big Ideas in Biology 3. Matter and Energy Matter serves as nutrients to build body structure and energy to fuel the processes of life. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Big Ideas 4. Growth, Development and Reproduction All living things make more individuals. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall

Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall Big Ideas in Biology 5. Homeostasis An organism’s ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment. Copyright Pearson Prentice Hall