1. Characteristics of Living Organisms
“What does it mean to be alive?”

2. All organisms must share all of the following 8 characteristics in order to be classified as living
Made up of cells- unicellular or multicellular
Highly organized- complexity increases
The ability to reproduce- asexually or sexually
They grow and develop
They respond to their environment (irritability)
They maintain an internal balance (homeostasis)
They metabolize (use energy)
They have a life span

3. The Organization of Life
Complex
Simple