Characteristics of Living ThingsMiddle School Science

Dr. Romano

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXAauzqjb0

Is Sammy Alive?

1. Living things are composed of cells. Each cell has all it needs to be self sufficient.

2. Living things have a universal genetic code: DNA and RNA.

3. Living things use energy for maintenance and growth. Some living things can use the energy directly from the sun.

What Are the Characteristics of Living Things?

4. Living things grow and develop. Cells divide and make more cells. Individual cells grow/enlarge.

5. Living things can reproduce through asexual and sexual reproduction. This allows survival of the species.

6. Living things can respond to their environment. This is called a stimulus-response.

What Are the Characteristics of Living Things?

7. Living things have the ability to maintain homeostasis: a stable internal environment in each cell.

8. Living things adapt to their environment. This is important for species’ survival

What Are the Characteristics of Living Things?

Living things have levels of organization:

◦Cells Tissues Organs Organ Systems Organisms

Levels of Organization

Feeding/Nutrition/Digestion Respiration/Breathing Movement/Locomotion Excretion Respond to Environment Growth and Repair Reproduction

Sum total of all processes in living things is called Metabolism

What Do Living Things Need to Survive?

1.Do all living things have all of the characteristics of life? If your answer is no, give an example.

2.Name some non-living thing that uses energy.

3.Name some non-living thing that grows.

Questions….