Characteristics of Living Things All living things grow and change All living things can reproduce All living things respond to their environment All living things are made up of cells that contain DNA All living things take in and use energy (light, oxygen, food, etc) All living things produce wastes All living things have a life span

Examples of Characteristics: All living things grow and change – A caterpillar changes into a butterfly –A tadpole develops into a frog –Your bones strengthen and your voice deepens All living things can reproduce –A bird lays eggs that will soon hatch –A cow gives birth to a live calf –Flowers disperse their seeds to produce more –Mushrooms disperse their spores to produce more

More Examples of Characteristics: All livings respond to their environment –Birds migrate South in response to colder weather –A chameleon changes its skin color to blend in with a tree –You perspire to release excess heat from your body –A rabbit grows a thick coat of fur in preparation for winter All living things are made up of cells that contain DNA –You are made of trillions of cells; some are blood cells, nerve cells, skin cells…etc –A bacteria is uni-cellular and microscopic –A dog’s DNA (genetic material) is very similar to a wolf's DNA

More Examples of Characteristics: All living things take in and use energy –A plant uses sunlight and carbon dioxide to make sugars –A bear hunts and eats a fish in order to survive –You yawn to take in more oxygen when you are tired All living things produce wastes –You breathe out carbon dioxide when you exhale –A plant gives of oxygen as a waste from photosynthesis –A dog pants to release excess heat from its body All living things have a life span –A fruit fly may live for 24 hours –A sea turtle may live for over 100 years

Earthworm Facts: Earthworms spend most of their time in soil, where it is dark Earthworms eat soil, which contains bits of leaves and other organic matter, for energy Earthworms must remain moist at all times because they exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through their skin. Moisture helps them to “breathe” easier Earthworms have setae or bristle-like hairs that help them move through soil

More Earthworm Facts: The digestive system of an earthworm is made up of a crop, gizzard, and intestine Earthworms have one main nerve cord that connects to the brain Earthworms use their nerve segments to respond to light, moisture, touch and temperature. Earthworms have both male and female reproductive structures Earthworms cannot reproduce unless another earthworm is present

Diagram of an Earthworm