CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

What makes something “living”??

What is Biology?

The study of living things (organisms)

The study of the interactions of living things

bio = life

Ology = study of

What are the characteristics of life?

There are 8 characteristics that all living things have in common.

1. Living things are made up of

cells

A cell is a collection of living material enclosed within a barrier

Cells are the basic unit of life

Unicellular: made up of one cell

Multicellular: made up of many cells

Unicellular

Multicellular

2. Living Things Reproduce

produce offspring which resemble parents

asexual reproduction: has only one parent

sexual reproduction: requires two parents

Asexual

Sexual

3. Living Things are based on a genetic code.

Inheritance of traits is carried on through DNA

4. Living things Grow and DevelopGROWTH: increase in size & shape

DEVELOPMENT: mature over time

Living things have a lifespanGrowth

Development

5. Living Things Use & Need

Energy

energy comes from food, used to maintain body

AUTOTROPH: produce own food

HETEROTROPH: must consume food

DECOMPOSER: breaks down dead material for food

6. Living things respond to their surroundings

They react to a stimulus which causes a reaction

The reaction is called a response

7. Living things maintain a stable internal environment

HOMEOSTASIS: internal balance

Examples: sweating, panting, shivering, etc.

8. Living things Evolve

Adapt to long-range changes in environment to better survive in their environment

These changes take place over a long period of time & involve the entire species

Quiz 2: The following are all examples of the characteristics of life. Identify each one.

A. Adapt D. genetic code G. Respond to stimulus

B. Made of cells E. Grow and develop H. Homeostasis

C. Reproduce F. Use/need energy1. You eat a hamburger for lunch.

2. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize voices.

3. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow.

4. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office.

5. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside.

6. Red and white particles make up part of your blood.

7. A chick breaks out of an egg.

Quiz 2: The following are all examples of the characteristics of life. Identify each one.

A. Adapt D. genetic code G. Respond to stimulus

B. Made of cells E. Grow and develop H. Homeostasis

C. Reproduce F. Use/need energy1. You eat a hamburger for lunch.

2. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize voices.

3. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow.

4. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office.

5. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside.

6. Red and white particles make up part of your blood.

7. A chick breaks out of an egg.

Quiz 2: The following are all examples of the characteristics of life. Identify each one.

A. Adapt D. genetic code G. Respond to stimulus

B. Made of cells E. Grow and develop H. Homeostasis

C. Reproduce F. Use/need energy1. You eat a hamburger for lunch.

2. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize voices.

3. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow.

4. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office.

5. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside.

6. Red and white particles make up part of your blood.

7. A chick breaks out of an egg.

Quiz 2: The following are all examples of the characteristics of life. Identify each one.

A. Adapt D. genetic code G. Respond to stimulus

B. Made of cells E. Grow and develop H. Homeostasis

C. Reproduce F. Use/need energy1. You eat a hamburger for lunch.

2. A baby gains 3 pounds in one week and begins to recognize voices.

3. A polar bear has white fur to blend in with the snow.

4. Your start to cry whenever you get a shot at the doctor’s office.

5. You begin to shiver because it is cold outside.

6. Red and white particles make up part of your blood.

7. A chick breaks out of an egg.