Characteristics of Living Things GRACED Characteristics of Living Things

Grow and Develop All living things grow and get larger during their life. Living things may also develop and change as they get older. G

R Reproduce Organisms make other organisms similar to themselves. Sexual reproduction- two parents produce an offspring that has characteristics of both parents. Asexual reproduction – a single parent produces offspring that is identical to the parent R

Adapt to change All living organisms have the ability to sense and respond to changes in their environment. A

Cells All living things are composed of one or more cells. C

Energy Living things use energy to carry out the activities of life. E

DNA The cells of all living things contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA controls the function of the cell. D

Abiotic Describes the nonliving part of the environment, including water, rocks, light and temperature.

Biotic Describes living factors in the environment.