1. What makes something alive??
DO NOW:
Write down what characteristics you think something must have to be considered “living.”
Microscopic
Organism
Tree
Humans

2. 8 Characteristics of Living Things
What makes an “organism”

3. 1. Living things are made of cells
A cell is the smallest unit of life
All living things are made of 1 or more cells
Organisms made of just 1 cell are called single-celled organisms
Unit- part
Organism- living thing

4. 2. Living things grow All living things start as a single cell
Every organism grows in it’s own way
Organism- a living thing

5. 3. Living things respond to their environment
Organisms detect and respond to their environment
A stimulus is signal which an organism responds to
Detect- notice, become aware

6. 4. Living things reproduce
All organisms reproduce, or make new similar organisms.
Sexual reproduction- 2 parents, similar offspring
Asexual reproduction- single organism makes identical offspring
Offspring- children
Identical- exactly the same
Single- just 1

7. 5. Living things need energy
All living things must take in energy.
Living things need energy to grow and reproduce.
Some organisms can make their own food, some organisms must get food from their environment
Environment- world around you

8. 6. Living things must maintain a stable internal environment
Example- Body Temperature
Maintain- keep
Stable- doesn’t change, stays the same
Internal- inside

9. External
Environment- 20° F
Internal
Environment- 98.6° F

10. External Environment- 120° F
Internal Environment- 98.6° F

11. 7. Living things are based on a universal genetic code
Living things are based on DNA
DNA provides the code for life
DNA is passed from parent to offspring in reproduction
Universal- the same everywhere

12. 8. Living things evolve
Over many generations, organisms evolve, or change over time.
Organisms evolve to become better at what they do
Generation- a life time
Evolve- change over many years

14. Sewer Lice