What attributes identify something as living? Characteristics of Life! What attributes identify something as living?

C H O G E R CHOGER

- cells C Smallest unit of organism that can be considered alive. All living organisms are composed of cells. Multicellular – cells are specialized.

- Homeostasis H “staying the same” Maintains a stable internal condition- examples include: Cell’s water Body temp pH Various chemical balances Body adapts to environment

O - Organization Every living thing is highly organized. Cells are highly organized. Cells are grouped together by function (skin, kidney, etc.). Why is this important? Example: Human body has 200+ different types of cells.

- Growth G Each organism has a distinct life cycle. All living things grow (some non-living things do also?) Development – organism becoming an adult (dogs begin as a cell and develop into an adult dog). Cells increase in number and differentiate during development.

E - Energy Use All living things use energy…METABOLISM Why do living organisms need energy? maintain molecular and cellular organization grow and reproduce How do living organisms get their energy? Autotrophs Heterotrophs

R - Reproduction Why is reproduction important for species? Survival of the species…not the individual organism Can all species reproduce? Sexual reproduction – offspring not identical to parents Asexual reproduction – identical to parent

C - Cells H - Homeostasis O - Organization G - Growth E - Energy Use R - Reproduction CHOGER

Do we know everything about biology? No Why? It’s huge and diverse!