Characteristics of Living Things

Dead Once alive, but now physically inactive (no movement, response, reproduction, metabolism, growth) Still in it’s natural state Ex: Fallen Tree branch dried flower dead squirrel

Non-living – something that is not and never was alive in its current form Some Non-living things: Rocks Wooden table Plastic Rubber

Living All living things have 6 things in common: They are made of cells They obtain and use energy They grow and develop They reproduce They respond to their surroundings They adapt to their environment

1. Made of Cells Unicellular - one cell Multicellular - many cells Ex: bacteria Multicellular - many cells Ex: cats

2. Obtain & Use Energy Autotrophs - make their own food Ex: all plants Heterotrophs - must find and eat food Ex: cows, birds, lizards

Grow & Develop Get larger Get more complex

4. Reproduce (with DNA) Asexual - one parent, offspring are identical copies Sexual - two parents, involves egg and sperm

5. Respond to Surroundings (movement) Stimulus - change in organism’s environment that causes organism to react (like a school bell) Response - an action or change in behavior as a result of stimulus (students move to their next class)

6. Adapt to Environment A physical or behavioral change to help the organism survive

What are some things that are living: Birds Bacteria Plants Fungi

What about Viruses? It can reproduce, but only in a host cell A virus is a sub-microscopic infectious agent. It can reproduce, but only in a host cell Does not have cells Evolves through natural selection

An easy way to memorize the 6 characteristics of life: CEG RRA C = Cells E = Energy G = Grow R = Reproduce R = Respond A = Adapt