the 8 characteristics of life
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The 8 Characteristics of Life. ~ Shared by all living organisms ~. 1. Universal Genetic Code. All organisms store information for life in their genetic code. This molecular structure is called DNA. DNA is used for storage and heredity. 2. Growth and Development. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The 8 Characteristics of Life
~ Shared by all living organisms ~
1. Universal Genetic Code
All organisms store information for life in their genetic code.
This molecular structure is called DNA.
DNA is used for storage and heredity.
2. Growth and Development
A. Growth – an increase in size (more cells)The amount of growth varies:
A small acorn grows into a towering oak tree
Can you give an example of an organism that demonstrates growth?
B. Development – organisms change in form as they develop
A caterpillar morphs into a butterfly
Can you think of an example of development?
Which of these demonstrates growth and which demonstrates development?
3. Response and Adaptation
Living things can respond to a stimulus Seeds sprout in response to watering. Birds migrate in response to seasonal change.
Adaptation – how a population responds to long-term changes in their surroundings
Ex: webbed feet
Can you think of an example of an adaptation?
4. Reproduction
Living things come from
other living things
Reproduction is not essential
to the survival of an organism,
but for the continuation of
a species
5. Maintain a Stable Internal Environment
Living things are highly organized with specialized structures
Ex. Heart (organ), mitochondria (cell organelle)
Organisms need to maintain internal stability.
Ex. Sweating when you are hot
This internal balance is called homeostasis.
6. Use Energy
Living things use energy
for life processes
All organisms take in energy
from the environment Ex. Light energy
enables plants to
make food
7. Cells
All organisms are made of cells
Unicellular - made of one cellEx: bacterium, paramecium
Multicellular – made of many cellsEx. tiger
8. Evolution
As a species, living things evolve, or change over time.
Evidence which supports this change over time:a. Fossils
b. Similarities in organism features
c. Sequence of information stored in DNA
Review of the 8 Characteristics
All living things…
Are based on a universal genetic code
Grow and Develop
Respond and Adapt to their environment
Reproduce
Maintain a stable internal environment
Obtain and use material and energy
Are made up of cells
Evolve