Characteristics of Living Things Organism – any living thing Animal, Plant, Fungus, Bacteria or Protist

All organisms are made of one or more cells Cells are the basic unit of structure and function To survive, need everything to work together. Levels of organization: Cells Tissues Organs Systems Organism Population Community Biome

All organisms have a method of making more of their own kind. Some organisms need a partner some can reproduce by themselves. Reproduction is necessary for the continuation of the species.

All organisms increase in size and/or weight. Some living things have a period of growth, some grow for their entire life.

Development means to mature or to become more complex. Metamorphosis and puberty are examples of development.

Organisms attempt to maintain a steady internal operating condition. Temperature, water content, salt concentration, pH, pressure and chemical balance are all conditions monitored to maintain homeostasis.

Populations of living things change over time to survive in their environment. The “best” organisms are the ones that survive to reproduce. Natural Selection “Survival of the fittest”

Events or conditions in the environment cause living things to react. The events and changes in the environment are called Stimuli. The reactions and adjustments are called responses.

All forms of life require energy to remain alive. Stored energy is constantly used-up and must be replaced. Autotrophs can make their own food through photosynthesis. Heterotrophs must hunt and gather energy in the form of food.

Living things are either unicellular (one cell) or multicellular (more than one cell) Living things can either make their own food/energy (autotroph) or need other sources to obtain food/energy (heterotroph.)