Characteristics of Life 7th grade science Malnory/Pietsch 2014-15 MRS. C. GREN Characteristics of Life 7th grade science Malnory/Pietsch 2014-15

MRS. C. GREN These 8 characteristics tell us if something is alive M movement R respiration S sensitivity C Cells G growth R reproduction E excretion N nutrition These 8 characteristics tell us if something is alive

Movement Plants grow towards the sun; a response called phototropism Animals move to find food or shelter; people move for activity Microorganisms can swim using cilia or flagella.

Respiration Glucose + Oxygen Carbon dioxide + Water + ENERGY This reaction takes place in every cell in every plant and animal……learn it!

Sensitivity This means detecting changes in your surroundings. A Venus fly trap detects an insect. And of course we have our senses!

Cells All living things are made of cells or are Single celled organisms.

This one’s obvious…..we all grow. Some taller than others! Growth This one’s obvious…..we all grow. Some taller than others! To be alive we must be able to grow.

Reproduction Organisms make more of themselves To keep the species alive There are two ways to reproduce: Sexually and asexually Sexual reproduction requires two of the species Asexual (“a” means “not”) only requires One member of the species

EXCRETE All living things must get rid of waste.

Nutrition Living things need the correct nutrition to keep them healthy and alive.

MRS C. GREN Characteristics of life That’s it! This is the mnemonic for remembering the Characteristics of life Do you think this will be on the next quiz? Well, dag nabbit it sure will be! Gee, should I practice memorizing this? Only if you want to learn and get wrinkles in your brain!