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