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.
