Needs of Living Things

What do you need? Think for a moment. What could you not live without? Make a list in your notes.

Now, What do you really need? Look at your list. Cross off things that do not ensure (make sure of) your survival.

What’s left? Things that are necessary for you to continue to live. (despite popular belief, you will not die without your computer, cell phone or IPod)

Here is what we, and all living things, need to survive.

1. Energy Primary source: THE SUN! The energy can be used in different ways Energy use depends on what the organism is using the energy for

For Example: ENERGY ENERGYENERGY HERBIVORE CARNIVORE HETEROTROPHSAUTOTROPH

Definitions Autotroph– organism that can make it’s own foodAutotroph – organism that can make it’s own food Heterotroph – an organism that cannot make it’s own foodHeterotroph – an organism that cannot make it’s own food –Herbivore – consumes (eats) plants –Carnivore – consumes (eats) meat –Omnivore – consumes (eats) plants and meats

2. Food and water FOODFOOD –Energy source –Source of raw materials to grow, repair and develop WATERWATER –Dissolves most chemicals, making then easier to move (transport) through the organism –Required for chemical reactions (i.e. photosynthesis, metabolism)

3. Oxygen Certain organisms get oxygen from the environmentCertain organisms get oxygen from the environment Oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is releasedOxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis and release oxygenPlants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis and release oxygen

4. Living Space A limited number of organisms can occupy a particular areaA limited number of organisms can occupy a particular area The number of organisms depends on the amount of resourcesThe number of organisms depends on the amount of resources Competition – the struggle among organisms to get enough food, water and energyCompetition – the struggle among organisms to get enough food, water and energy

5. Proper temperature Homeostasis –Homeostasis – –Warm-blooded animals – able to keep their internal body temperature constant i.e. – mammals, birdsi.e. – mammals, birds –Cold-blooded animals – must use their environment to control their internal body temperature within an acceptable range i.e. – fish, reptiles, amphibiansi.e. – fish, reptiles, amphibians