Characteristics of Living Things

Characteristics of Living Things

1. Made of cells 2. Need energy 3. Respond to stimuli 4. Reproduce 5. Grow and develop 6. Maintain homeostasis 7. Have a universal genetic code 8. Adapt and evolve over time

Asexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents

Homeostasis

A tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state despite changes in the environment

Growth

An increase in physical size; it is achieved by adding cells.

Heterotroph

An organism that cannot make its own food.

Autotroph

An organism that makes its own food

Stimuli

Factors in the environment to which organisms can respond. Examples include chemicals, light, sound, temperature.

Evolution

Gradual change in a population of organisms over time

Examples of Stimuli

Light, temperature, noise, etc.

Unicellular

Made of a single cell

Multicellular

Made up of more than one cell.

Examples of homeostasis

Regulation of body temperature and blood sugar levels

Adaptation

The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

Development

The series of changes through which an organism progresses throughout its life span.