Do Now What characteristics do you use to classify something as living?

The Characteristics of Living Things

All organisms, no matter how different from each other they may be, share certain features characteristic of all living things.  

Organization All living things are highly organized Organization All living things are highly organized. Organisms are designed to take in materials from their environment and organize them in complex ways. In cells, specific cell structures carry out particular functions. In the organism, particular organs work together as a system in order for the organism to function.

Oranization (Cells) All living things are composed of cells Oranization (Cells) All living things are composed of cells. The human body is composed of many different kinds of cells, each of which has a structure that is related to its exact function.  

Response to environment All organisms react to their surroundings Response to environment All organisms react to their surroundings. Stimulus and response   You move your hand away when you touch a hot pan Students salivate when they eat 7 layer dip!

Homeostasis All organisms must make constant adjustments to their environment in order to survive. Organisms work to keep their internal environments stable. Stable internal conditions include temperature, pH, etc.  

Energy Use All living things use energy in a process called metabolism Energy Use All living things use energy in a process called metabolism. Metabolism is the sum total of all chemical processes that occur in the body. Organisms require energy in which to grow and reproduce, digest food, excrete wastes, defend the body against disease and respond to their surroundings  

Reproduction All organisms have the ability to reproduce Reproduction All organisms have the ability to reproduce. All organisms have DNA which is the hereditary material that transfers traits from parent to offspring.

Growth and Development All living things grow Growth and Development All living things grow. Some nonliving things grow as well (crystals). Living things grow as a result of cell division and cell enlargement. The tadpole turns into a frog. A seed becomes a plant.

Characteristics of Living Things Video