The Characteristics of Life

Living Things Living things are called organisms. They are scientifically referred to as biotic factors. (“bio” means life) They include bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals.

Nonliving Things Nonliving things are scientifically called abiotic factors. They have an effect on biotic organisms. They include air, water, temperature, rocks, etc…

What makes something living? Living things are classified by 5 main characteristics: 1.) Energy Utilization 2.) Growth & Development 3.) Adjustment/Adaptation (Homeostasis) 4.) Reproduction & Evolution 5.) Cells (Order)

1.) ENERGY Living things have the ability to use energy for different processes. These include reproduction, cell division, photosynthesis, respiration, growth, etc. Metabolism – series of processes that converts food to energy to sustain life *Catabolism – breaking down complex substances (cell respiration, digestion) *Anabolism – building up complex substances (photsynthesis)

2.) GROWTH Living things grow. They grow by mitosis (cell division), which also helps in repair and maintenance of the organism.

3.)ADJUSTMENT/ADAPTATION Living things use senses to adjust and respond to stimuli in their surroundings to maintain homeostasis. Examples: When it’s cold, humans shiver.

4.) REPRODUCTION AND EVOLUTION Living things have the ability to make offspring similar or identical to themselves. They can also change over time.

5.) CELLULAR ORGANIZATION All living things are composed of cells. These cells are organized into specialized parts.

**DEATH** DEAD is different than NONLIVING All living things will eventually die. If something is dead, it must have been living at some time. If something is nonliving, it never showed the characteristics of life!!