Characteristics of life Biology Characteristics of life

Essential Question How can I differentiate between living and non-living things using the characteristics of life?

Organism All living things are organisms

Made of Cells All organisms are made of smaller units called cells

Growth & Development All organisms grow (get larger)

Growth & Development Multi-cellular organisms go through a process where the cells divide, change shape, and structure over time

Reproduction/ Heredity Living things produce offspring Parents pass on traits or characteristics to their children

Metabolism Energy is used by living things. METABOLISM is ALL the chemical reactions that take place in an organism allowing it to carry out life processes

Maintaining Homeostasis The ability of living things to maintain a stable internal environment no matter what the external environment is. In regards to: Temperature, pH, moisture level, etc.

Response to stimuli Stimulus is a signal to which the organisms responds in order to maintain homeostasis or remain safe

Evolve As a group, the organisms change over a long period of time. They “evolve.”

Highly Organized Organisms have a sense of order. The parts of a cell are made of certain chemicals.

Cellular Organization Organelles are the different parts that make up a cell. Cells make up tissues Tissues make up organs Organs make up organ systems Organ systems make up Organisms!