What makes something living? The characteristics of life

1) Living things are composed of cells Cells are the basic unit of life. Some organisms are only one cell. Others are made of many cells

2) Living things are organized Organisms have parts that do certain jobs. Examples: Bones provide structure Blood transports oxygen Single-celled organisms have hairs that help them move

3) Living things maintain homeostasis Homeostasis is maintaining a stable internal environment. Examples: Temperature pH Blood sugar

4) Living things obtain and use energy Organisms can get energy from food (animals) or directly from the sun (plants). Metabolism - all the chemical reactions taking place in an organism.

5) Living things respond to stimuli Examples of stimuli (singular = stimulus) Light Temperature Pressure Gravity Smell Water Responses in plants

6) Living things grow and develop Growth = getting bigger Development = changing throughout life Metamorphosis

7) Living things reproduce Making new organisms. Asexual = 1 parent Unicellular organisms Sexual = 2 parents “everything else”

8) Living things adapt through evolution Evolution = change in the genes of a population over time. Adaptations = behaviors or structures that help organisms survive.