Characteristics of Living Things

Characteristics of Living ThingsCuesCharacteristics of Living organismsOrganizationGrowth and DevelopmentRespond to EnvironmentReproduceNeedsEnergyMaterialsLiving SpaceIs it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

Is it living?

How do you know?As a group discuss what separates living from non-living things. Create a list of these characteristics. Characteristics of the LivingThere are four major characteristics of living things:OrganizationAbility to develop and growAbility to respond to environmentAbility to reproduceOrganizationAn organism's body must be organized in such a way that enables it to meet its needs. Some organisms are very simple and requires little organization. While more complex organisms require considerably more organization to function.

Growth and DevelopmentOrganisms grow, and in most cases, develop into adult forms. Some change a great deal in size and appearance while others change very little.

Respond to EnvironmentOrganisms respond to the world outside them.

ReproduceOrganisms are able to reproduce offspring.

NeedsIn order to carry out their activities they have a few necessities:EnergyMaterialsLiving SpaceEnergyAll organisms require a steady supply of energy to stay alive (Even to sleep and breath). Where does the energy come from?The SunSome, like bacteria and plants, capture this energy directly.Others, like us, use food as a source of energy which we get from other organisms.

MaterialsFood also provides the materials necessary for growth and reproduction. These materials include substances such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.

Living SpaceAll organisms need space to live and grow. If any one of these requirements is missing, an organism will die.

AssignmentGo home and think of three living organisms. List these organisms and describe how they fulfill all their needs.Ex. CatNeedsEnergyEats other organisms for energyMaterialsOxygen, Water, and MineralsLiving SpaceNeeds sufficient space to hunt.