Life’s Characteristics

Living Things Also known as Organisms – Plants as well as animals, moss, mold, etc…: Reproduce. Adapt Respond use Energy Homeostasis Organized Cells Grow

Reproduction Ability to Reproduce or make offspring Ex. Humans produce other humans.

Adapt Evolve or change over time = Evolution!

Response to Surroundings Living things respond to stimuli A stimulus is any change in the surroundings or environment. Ex. Changes in – Temp. – Light – Sound

Response is an action or change in behavior. Living things Respond to a Stimulus or Stimuli. Ex. ???

Use of Energy Cells need energy to do metabolic processes Metabolic – metabolism or chemical processes. To grow, repair, replace cells.

Homeostasis A “balance” Maintain a stable internal environment Keeps to healthy and alive.

Organization of Cells Basic Unit of Life Organisms either Unicellular or Multicellular. Humans are made of trillions of cells.

Organized code DNA or other Genetic instructions Living things are based on a universal genetic code.

Growth and Development Grow – to become larger Development – occurs to produce more complex organism. Ex. – tadpole to a frog