Common Features of All Forms of Life All organisms have 7 features in common that cause them to be classified as living things.

Respond to Surroundings Living things react to changes in their environment. Ex. When danger is near, a tiger cub is able to run away.

Made Up of Cells Living organisms are all made up of tiny cells which are the building blocks of life.

Reproduction All living things produce offspring through cell division or the distribution of DNA during reproduction. Ex. A father and mother produced this tiger cub by reproducing.

Cellular Order All living things are able to organize complex things into simple things. Ex. A tiger can organize cells and molecules into the complex structure of the eye.

The Chemicals of Life Living things are made of the molecules water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Energy Use Living things use energy in the form of ATP as fuel to grow, repair, and develop. Ex. A tiger cub will use energy to move through its habitat.

Growth and Development Living things use energy to grow and develop over time. Energy is used to produce new cells or to increase the size of existing cells.