2. What characteristics do living creatures have in common?
Properties of Life
What characteristics do living creatures have in common?

3. 1. Living creatures are based on a universal genetic code
This information is in the form of DNA, and is passed down from parent to offspring.
DNA

4. 2. Living creatures are made of cells!
All made of the same collection of chemicals, but we are organized as…
organelles & cells
plant cells & animal cells
plant cell
animal cell

5. 3. Living creatures RESPOND to their environment
Organisms detect and respond to stimuli from their environment. A STIMULUS is a signal to which an organism responds.

6. 4. Living creatures obtain and use ENERGY
Metabolism
all the reactions your body performs to make & use energy
mitochondria

7. 5. Living creatures GROW & DEVELOP
Change over an individual’s life time
get bigger
mature

8. 6. Living creatures REPRODUCE
Make the next generation

9. 7. Living things maintain a stable internal environment.
Even when external changes occur, living things need to keep the same inside, which is called Homeostasis

10. 8. Taken as a group, living things evolve.
Over long periods of time, living things change, or evolve.
Evidence is found in fossils, physical features, and even in DNA!

11. Don’t be a Dodo… Ask Questions!!