So what is a living thing? Anything that possesses all of the characteristics of life is called an organism. The characteristics of life are as follows:

 Organization - it must contain one or more cells; each cell contains DNA, or the genetic material that provides all the information needed to control the organism’s life processes

 2. Reproduction - the production of offspring

 3. Growth and development - Going from a single cell to a complete species.  Growth - the 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 the organism  3. Growth and development - Going from a single cell to a complete species.  Growth - the 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 the organism

 4. Adjust - the ability to respond to stimuli in the environment  Response - a reaction to a stimulus  4. Adjust - the ability to respond to stimuli in the environment  Response - a reaction to a stimulus

 5. Homeostasis - regulation of an organism’s internal environment  Living things reproduce themselves, grow and develop, respond to external stimuli and maintain homeostasis by using energy  5. Homeostasis - regulation of an organism’s internal environment  Living things reproduce themselves, grow and develop, respond to external stimuli and maintain homeostasis by using energy

 6. Adapt and Evolve  Adaptation - any structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to stimuli and better survive in an environment  Evolution - the gradual accumulation of adaptations over time  6. Adapt and Evolve  Adaptation - any structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to stimuli and better survive in an environment  Evolution - the gradual accumulation of adaptations over time