CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE,

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE Organism – anything that has all of the characteristics of life. Living things are made of one or more cells. Living things reproduce and are based on specific genetic code. Living things must grow and develop Living things evolve Living things adapt to their environment. Living things have metabolism (make and use energy) Living things maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis).

MADE OF ONE OR MORE CELLS Bacteria – Prokaryotes are a single cell. Animals and plants are multicellular. Orangelles - Specialized parts that perform specific functions.

REPRODUCE/GENETIC CODE All living organisms have DNA, Must reproduce in order for life to continue. Species – group of related organisms that are similar in structure and can interbreed to produce fertile and viable offspring. Viable – living

GROW & DEVELOP Growth – increase in the amount of living material and the formation of new structures. Development – all the changes that take place during the life of an organism. Ex. - Flies begin life as eggs, then become maggots, and then become adult flies.

LIVING THINGS EVOLVE Adaptation – Any structure and/or behavior which will make an organism survive better in its environment. Example - the beak length and shape of a bird that is better suited to getting food in a its habitat.

LIVING THINGS ADAPT TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT. Organisms must be able to respond to their environment. Ex - Birds fly south for the winter, bears hibernate, deciduous trees loose their leaves and go dormant

METABOLISM (MAKE AND USE ENERGY) Organisms must get and use energy in order to live. Photosynthesis is where plants and some bacteria convert light energy to make nutrients. Other organisms, must consume other organisms to get nutrients. Cell Respiration is the process where glucose & oxygen is used by the cells to make energy.

MAINTAIN A STABLE INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT (HOMEOSTASIS). Homeostasis – The regulation of an organism’s internal environment in order to maintain conditions suitable for life. Example - Despite changes in the temperature of the environment, a human maintains a constant body temperature of 98.6 o F.