What are the Characteristics of living things Biology

What are the Characteristics of living things?

Biology is the study of life. Biotic— something alive Abiotic—something not alive

Which of the following are biotic and abiotic?

What does it mean to be living? Vs.

Characteristics of Living Things GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT organization Homeostasis Evolution CELLS Energy Use Response to Stimuli reproduction

All living things are made of cells • Review—the cell theory • Cells are the basic unit of life. • Cells produce other cells.

All living things grow. Grow-get bigger Develop—become sexually mature

All living things maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis—maintaining a stable internal balance

All living things respond to stimuli. Responding to stimuli is a behavior. Populations respond to stimuli over time by evolving.

All organisms must use energy. This can be done by converting chemicals (bacteria) or the sun’s energy into food (plants). Other organisms eat to gain energy. Energy is used to perform the characteristics of life.

All living things are organized. atoms molecules cells tissues organ systems organism

All living things reproduce. Reproduction means to pass on DNA or genetic characteristics.

All living things evolve. Populations must be able to change over time as environments change, or risk becoming extinct. This is done by a process called natural selection, where the organisms with the best traits (or adaptations)survive to reproduce, passing those traits onto their offspring.