1. It’s Alive!!! What all living things have in common.

2. All living things have 9 basic characteristics in common.

3. 1. DNA (genetic code)  Offspring inherit their traits from their parents.  These traits are passed on using DNA.

4. 2. Organization Multicellular organisms are made up of cells; cells have organelles, organelles are made of molecules, and on and on Multicellular organisms are made up of cells; cells have organelles, organelles are made of molecules, and on and on Single-celled organisms also have organelles, etc. Single-celled organisms also have organelles, etc.

5. 3. Growth and Development  Most unicellular organism only grow, or increase in size.  Multicellular organisms grow and develop (cells continue to divide in order to mature).

6. 4. Stimulus Response  Detection and response to stimuli (both internal and external).

7. 5. Reproduction  All organisms produce new organisms through reproduction.  Sexual reproduction – two cells from different parents unite to produce the new organism.  Asexual reproduction – new organism has a single parent.

8. 6. Energy Acquisition and Release  One view of life is that it is a struggle to acquire energy (from sunlight, inorganic chemicals, or another organism), and release it.

9. 7. Adaptation  The characteristics of populations change over time, usually in response to their environment.  Charles Darwin began the recognition of the marvelous adaptations all life has that allow those organisms to exist in their environment.

10. 8. Cells  All living things are made of cells.  Unicellular – only one cell  Multicellular – two or more cells

11. 9. Homeostasis  Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant (yet also dynamic) internal environment in terms of temperature, pH, water concentrations, etc.

12. Remember... DOG’S REACH