1. Introduction to Biology
Chapter 1

2. What are the characteristics of living things?
Cookie Monster Is it Alive? Video
Brainstorm….
What else makes an organism Alive?

3. 8 Characteristics of Living Things:
1. Made up of Cells:
Smallest units of life
Unicellular – single cell
Multicellular – many cells

4. 2. Reproduction: 3. Based on a Genetic Code
Sexual Reproduction – 2 parents
Asexual Reproduction – 1 parent (clones)
3. Based on a Genetic Code
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

5. 4. Growth and Development
Sometime during life, periods of rapid and dramatic change.
5. Need for Material and Energy
Food, Oxygen, Water, etc.
Metabolism: the combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials

6. 6. Respond to the Environment
Organisms detect and respond to stimuli from their environment.
7. Maintaining Internal Balance
Body Temperature, Blood Sugar, etc.
Homeostasis: process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment.

7. Organisms evolve or change over time
8. Evolution
Organisms evolve or change over time
Examples – Flu Virus, Height in Humans
Now You Decide…Is it Alive? NASA Video