The 7 Characteristics of Life A brief guide

The 7 Characteristics of Life A brief guide into what makes something “Alive”

All living things share some basic properties. üCellular Organization (made of cells) üMetabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) üMaintain Constants (homeostasis) üReproduction (asexual, sexual) üGrowth and Development (mitosis, cell cycle) üRespond to Environment üAdapt and Evolve

Living Things…are Made of Cells • Description: • Cells= basic unit of life • Examples: • Unicellular • Singe Cell (small) • Multicellular • Many cells (larger) • Cells have specific functions

Living Things…Obtain and Use Energy • Description: • Metabolism • Total Chemical Reactions in an organism • Organisms need food to: • Grow • Develop • Reproduce • Examples: • Autotroph • Heterotroph

Living Things…Maintain Homeostasis • Description • A balance of internal conditions • Examples: • Body Temperature • p. H • Blood Pressure

Living Things…Reproduce • Description: • Carrying genetic information from one generation to the next by producing new organisms of the same type • Examples: • Asexual- Reproducing by itself (Bacteria) • Sexual- 2 parents contribute genetic information (Eukarya)

Living Things…Grow and Develop • Description: • Grow in size and a change in physical form over time • Example: • Metamorphosis • “Growing Up or Maturing”

Living Things…Respond to Their Environment • Description: • Reacting to the environmental factors such as: • • Light Temperature Odor Gravity Aggression Pressure Water Etc. • Example: • Plants grow towards the sun

Living Things…Adapt and Evolve Over Time • Description: • Adaptation • allows organisms to become better suited to their environment • Obtain more adaptations through evolution over long periods of time • Example: • Peppered Moths • Mimicry