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

8 Characteristics of Living Things What makes an “organism”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sewer Lice