characteristics of living things what makes something an organism?

Key WordsKey Words

Organism: Biotic:Abiotic:

Key WordsKey Words

Organism: any living thing

Biotic:Abiotic:

Key WordsKey Words


Biotic: a term used to describe a living or once living thing

Abiotic:

Key WordsKey Words


Biotic: a term used to describe a living or once living thing

Abiotic: a term used to describe something that was never living

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living Things

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things are

organized


organized Cell: collection of living

matter enclosed by a barrier that separates the cell from its surroundings (cell membrane)


organized Cell: collection of living

matter enclosed by a barrier that separates the cell from its surroundings (cell membrane)

Smallest units of an organism that can be considered alive

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things are organized.

Cell: collection of living matter enclosed by a barrier that separates the cell from its surroundings (cell membrane)

Smallest units of an organism that can be considered alive

Single cell: unicellular; Many cells: multicellular

CellsCells

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living Things Living things reproduce


Production of new organisms or cells (healing, growing)



Two types:



Two types: Sexual reproduction: cells from two

different parents unite to produce the first cell of the new organism; new mix of genetic material



Two types: Sexual reproduction: cells from two

different parents unite to produce the first cell of the new organism; new mix of genetic material

Asexual reproduction: new organism has a single parent; May result when a piece breaks off from the parent organism or when the parent organism divides in two


Reproduction involves the replication of DNA molecules to pass on hereditary information


Reproduction involves the replication of DNA molecules to pass on hereditary information

This directs the structure of of the cell and its metabolism.

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things grow and

develop


develop Growth: increase in size (cell

number)



number) Development: change in shape

and structure of an organism over time



number) Development: change in shape

and structure of an organism over timeCells go through

differentiation to become specialized

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things grow and develop

Growth: increase in size (cell number)

Development: change in shape and structure of an organism over timeCells go through differentiation to

become specializedMay include periods of rapid and

dramatic change (humans, butterflies, frogs, etc)

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living Things Living things obtain and use

materials and energy.


materials and energy. Metabolism: combination of

chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials as it carries out its life processes


materials and energy. Metabolism: combination of

chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials as it carries out its life processes

All organisms take in selected materials from their environment; how they do so varies


materials and energy. Metabolism: combination of chemical

reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials as it carries out its life processes

All organisms take in selected materials from their environment; how they do so varies Absorb sunlight (photosynthesis)


materials and energy. Metabolism: combination of chemical


All organisms take in selected materials from their environment; how they do so varies Absorb sunlight (photosynthesis) Eat food

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living Things Living things obtain and use materials

and energy. Metabolism: combination of chemical


All organisms take in selected materials from their environment; how they do so varies Absorb sunlight (photosynthesis) Eat food Breathe/respire

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living Things Living things respond to their

environment.


environment. Stimulus: signal to which an

organism responds


environment. Stimulus: signal to which an

organism responds External: come from the

environment outside the organism; ex. Light, temperature (plant roots respond to gravity by growing down)


environment. Stimulus: signal to which an organism

responds External: come from the environment

outside the organism; ex. Light, temperature (plant roots respond to gravity by growing down)

Internal: come from the environment inside the organism; ex. Sugar glucose (if it’s low, your body will respond by making you feel hungry)

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things maintain a stable internal environment.

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things maintain a stable internal environment. Homeostasis: keeping a stable internal environment

Characteristics of Living ThingsCharacteristics of Living ThingsLiving things maintain a stable internal environment. Homeostasis: keeping a stable internal environment

Ex. When your body temperature goes too low, you shiver; muscle movement creates warmth

Characteristics of Living things

Living things have methods for eliminating waste


Living things have methods for eliminating waste Living things must have a method for eliminating bi-products or waste products


Living things have methods for eliminating waste Living things must have a

method for eliminating bi-products or waste products

Ex. In humans, exhaling, defecation, urination

Characteristics of Living thingsLiving things are adapted.

Adaptations: modifications that make an organism suited to its way of life and environment

Occur through evolution via natural selection When a new variation arises that allows certain

members of the species to capture more resources, these members tend to survive and to have more offspring than the other, unchanged members.

Over time, the new variation becomes more prevalent in the population.

Let’s practice…Our cat had kittens yesterday.

Our dog was much smaller when it was a puppy.

When you look at a piece of a plant leaf under a microscope, you see many smaller divisions.

My children look a lot like their father.

Let’s practice…Our cat had kittens yesterday:

ReproductionOur dog was much smaller when it

was a puppy. When you look at a piece of a

plant leaf under a microscope, you see many smaller divisions.




was a puppy. GrowthWhen you look at a piece of a

plant leaf under a microscope, you see many smaller divisions.




was a puppy. GrowthWhen you look at a piece of a plant

leaf under a microscope, you see many smaller divisions. Cells




was a puppy. GrowthWhen you look at a piece of a plant

leaf under a microscope, you see many smaller divisions. Cells

My children look a lot like their father. Genetic code

More practice… I sweat a lot after football practice.

It helps me cool down.

My cat ran under the porch when his car pulled into the driveway.

Mrs. Lynch, can I go to the bathroom?

I am always tired after I run a mile.


It helps me cool down. Homeostasis


Mrs. Lynch, can I go to the bathroom?

I am always tired after I run a mile.




ResponseMrs. Lynch, can I go to the

bathroom? I am always tired after I run a

mile.





bathroom? Waste I am always tired after I run a

mile.





bathroom? Waste I am always tired after I run a

mile. Energy

characteristics of living things what makes something an organism?

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