Characteristics of Living Things

R.  Bryant  2008  WSMS  –  Based  on  “Science  Starters”  by  T.  Trimpe  at  h<p://sciencespot.net  

Determine which objects are considered living or nonliving.

A. B.   C.  

D.  

E.  F.  

The solution …

Living NonLiving  

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  

•  Living  things  respond……  

Respond/React to Changes  • Organisms react to change in their surroundings.  

• Any reaction to change is called a response.  – For example: A bright light

may cause you to blink.  

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  • Living  things  are  organized………….  

Organized from smallest unit which are cells  

•  Organisms are made up of one or more cells.

•  A cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things.

– Cells = the  of life.

• Cells  are  organized  into  =ssues  • Tissues  are  organized  into  organs  

• Organs  are  organized  into  organ  systems  

• Organ  systems    are  organized  into  organisms  

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  

•  Living  things  grow  and  develop…….  

Grow and Develop  •  Living things change, or develop, during

their lifetimes.  •  One way organisms change is by growing. •  Living things may also change in appearance.  For example: tadpoles and frogs  

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  

•  Living  things  take  in  and  use  energy……  

Use and Need Energy  •  All organisms

need and use energy to live.

•  Energy is the ability to do

work.  

•  Sunlight is the source of energy for most living things.  – Plants use the energy in

sunlight to make food – Animals get energy by

eating plants or other animals that have eaten plants.

– Bacteria and fungi get energy from decaying plant or animal matter

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  

•  Living  things  reproduce……….  

Reproduce  

Reproduc=on  is  not  essen=al  for  the  survival  of  individual  organisms,  but  must  occur  for  a  species  to  survive.      

Why  is  R.O.G.E.R.S.  a  living  thing?  •  Living  things  have  Similar  chemicals…….  

• Most  common  elements    in  living  things  are  carbon,    hydrogen,  nitrogen,  and    oxygen.    These  four    elements  cons=tute  about    95%  of  your  body  weight.      

Adapted to Their Surroundings  

•  Organisms are adapted, or suited, to their surroundings.

•  All organisms have features that help them survive in their surroundings.  –  For example: fish have gills  

Other  characteris=cs  

•  Movement    –  Internal  movement  of  organelles  and  fluids  – External  movement-­‐  up  or  down  – Locomo=on  

•  Maintain  Homeostasis  – Rela=vely  constant  internal  environment,  pH,  temp,  salinity  (like  humans  body  temperature  stays  right  around  98.6)  

 

What  do  living  things  need?  •  SHELTER  •  AIR  •  FOOD  • WATER