Characteristics of Living Things 1. Cellular Organization -

1. Characteristics of Living Things1. Cellular Organization - All organisms are made of one or more cells • unicellular– single celled organisms such as bacteria (most numerous organisms on Earth) • multicellular – organisms made of many cells that are specialized for certain tasks

2. 2. Reproduction - The ability to produce offspring or reproduce – offspring are usually similar to the parents

3. 3. Respond to Environment • All organisms react to changes in their environment • stimulus – the change in the organism’s environment that causes the organism to react • response – an action or change in behavior • Organisms also adjust to changes in their internal environment • homeostasis – the maintenance of stable internal conditions

4. 4. Growth and Development • growth – becoming larger – increase in size • development – becoming more complex – changes that occur as organisms grow • life span – all organisms have a finite life span

5. 5. Energy Use • All organisms need energy • Main source of energy for all organisms is the sun.

6. 6. Chemicals of Life Cells of all living things are made of chemicals. Macromolecules (they are large molecules) • Carbohydrates (energy) • Proteins –building materials • Lipids (fats)-building materials • Nucleic Acids (DNA)

7. Basic Needs • Water • Food • Oxygen • Shelter (Habitat) • 2 ways for organisms to get food (energy) • autotrophs – organisms that make their own food – ex: plants • heterotrophs – organisms that can’t make their own food so they feed on others that can