Life consists of one or more cells Cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living things. Living organisms can be unicellular (bacteria, amoebas, etc.) or organisms can be multicellular (animals, plants, fungus) There are two main types of cells 1.) Prokaryotic Cells- simple cells with no nucleus. (Bacteria) 2.) Eukaryotic Cells- complex cells with a nucleus (animals, plants, and fungus)

Living things display organization In multi-cellular organisms specialized cells are organzed into groups called tissue, tissue organized into organ which carry on specific functions. Even in simple unicellular life there is a staggering amount of complexity and organization

Living things grow and develop Most organisms begin as one cell. Including you. Growth is the addition of mass. This is accomplished through cell growth and division. Development is the natural changes that take place during a lifespan.

Life reproduces Simply stated, reproduction is the production of offspring Reproduction is not essential characteristic for individual organisms. It is essential for a species to avoid extinction A species is defined as a group of organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring.

Living things respond to stimuli Stimulus-anything that is part of the environment and causes some sort of reaction Response-the reaction to a stimulus Being able to respond to the environment is crucial for survival

Living things require energy Living things need sources of energy to fuel their life functions Autotrophs- organisms that make their own food. (Plants, algae) Heterotrophs-organisms that need to consume other organisms.(Animals )

Living things maintain homeostasis Homeostasis-regulation of an organisms internal condition to maintain life If anything happens within an organism that affects its normal state, processes to restore the normal state begin (sweating, breathing hard, eating, drinking)

Species evolve over time Adaptation-any inherited characteristic that results from changes to a species over time.