Categories: All - cells - dna - reproduction - energy

by Lady Moreno 3 years ago

1232

The characteristics of living things

Living organisms share several fundamental characteristics that define their existence. They are composed of one or more cells, which are complex and organized units of life. These cells enable organisms to reproduce, either sexually or asexually, ensuring the continuation of their species.

The characteristics of living things

The characteristics of living things

Living things are made up of cells.

Organisms are composed of one or more cells. Despite their small size, cells are complex and highly organized.

Taken as a group, living things evolve.

Over generetions, groups of organisms evolve, or change over time. Evidence of this shared history is found in all aspects of living and fossil organisms, from physical features to stuctures of proteins to sequence of information in DNA.

Living things obtain and use material and energy.

All organisms must take in material and energy to grow, develop, and reproduce.

Living things maintain a stable internal environment.

All organisms need to keep their internal environment relatively stable.

Living things reproduce.

Produce new similar organisms. Most plants and animals engage in sexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, cells from tow parents unite to form the first cell. Asexual reproduction, in which a single organisms procuces offspring identical to itself.

Living things respond to their environment.

Organisms detect and respond to stimuli from their environment.

Living things grow and develop.

During development, a single fertilized egg divides again. They begin to look different from one another and to perform different functions.

Living things are based on a universal genetic code.

All organisms store the complex information they need to live, grow and reproduce. It's called DNA, that information is copied and passed from parent to offspring.