The Characteristics of Living Things

#1 Living things have cells. Cells are the basic unit and function of living things.

#2 Living things produce more living things Sexual Reproduction Asexual Reproduction Reproduction is not essential for the survival of an individual but it is essential for the continuance of a species (a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring)

#3 Growth and Development Growth :an increase in the amount of living material and the formation of new structures. Development: all of the changes that take place during the life of an organism

#4 Living things respond to their environment Stimulus: a condition in the environment that causes an organism to adjust Response: a reaction to a stimulus Ex. Cold, scared etc.

#5 Living things use energy Energy: the ability to do work Food Oxygen Photosynthesis

#6 Living things adapt and evolve Adaptation: any structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to stimuli and better survive in an environment. Adaptations are inherited from parents and are always different The gradual accumulation of adaptations over time is EVOLUTION

#7 Homeostasis Regulation of internal environment to maintain conditions suitable for survival. Ex. Urinating and pooping

#8 Living things are based on a universal code. All organisms store the genetic information needed to survive. This genetic code is called DNA

Misc.? Movement? Death? Wastes?